Table 2 Identification and markers (genes) of endothelial and perivascular cells in the CNS

Endothelial cells

CD31

PECAM-1, cell adhesion

[86]

CD93

CD248 family member

[86, 95]

CLDN5

Claudin 5

[86]

CDH5

Cadherin 5, also expressed by CNS fibroblasts

[86]

Pericytes (PC)

PDGFRβ

Receptor for platelet derived growth factor

[85]

NG2

Encoded by Chondroitin sulfate proteoglycan 4 CSPG4. Also expressed by oligodendrocyte progenitor cells

[85]

Desmin

[85]

CD13

Aminopeptidase N

CD248

Endosialin (TEM-1), highly expressed in glioma (GBM) (PC > pMSC)

[85, 96, 97]

Vascular smooth muscle cells (vSMC)

PDGFRβ

Levels in PC > vSMC

[98]

NG2

[98]

Desmin

Muscle class III intermediate filament

[98]

CD13

RGS5

Regulator of G protein signaling 5 GTPase activating protein

[85, 99]

CD146

Melanoma cell adhesion molecule (MCAM)

[85, 99]

αSMA

Alpha smooth muscle cell actin encoded by ACTA2. Level of expression in vSMC >  > PC

[85]

TAGLN

Trangelin, smooth muscle protein 22 alpha (SM22)

[85]

pMSC fibroblast-like

PDGFRβ

PDGFRα

[86]

CD13

COL1A1

pMSC also express high levels of COL1A2, COL3A1, COL4A1. Expressed by PC (less than 2%)

LAMA-1

Laminin subunit alpha 1, also expressed by epithelial cells

[86]

LUM

Lumican

[86]

DCN

Decorin

[86]

MPZL2

Myelin protein zero-like 2, adhesion

[86]

SRPX2

Sushi Repeat Containing Protein X-Linked 2

[86]

FN

Fibronectin, also expressed by PC / scar tissue

[100]

FBLN1

Fibulin-1, Type I Hu pMSC/fibroblast

[14]

CEMIP

Cell migration-inducing protein, Type II Hu FB

[14]

KCNMA1

Potassium channel, Type III Hu pMSC/Fib

[14]

Macrophages (M)

CD11b / CD18

Complement receptor type 3 involved in phagocytosis of host cell debris

[87, 101]

Border-associated M (BAM)

CD163

Scavenger receptor, M2 antiinflammatory

[102]

CD206

Mannose receptor

[88]

LYVE1

Hyaluronan receptor

[88]

Astrocytes (AS)

GFAP

Glial fibrillary acidic protein

[87]