PERICYTE PROTECTIVE AGENTS FOR NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS INCLUDING NEURODEGENERATIVE DISEASES, CENTRAL NERVOUS SYSTEM DISEASES AND OTHERS

摘要

Compositions and methods are disclosed for the identification of agents to treat neurological diseases and disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases. Screening assays assess protection of cultured human central nervous system (CNS) pericytes against stressors that contribute to the etiology of neurodegenerative and other CNS diseases by causing loss and/or dysfunction of such pericytes. Choroid plexus (CP) -derived compositions, including CP products previously thought to act directly on neuronal cells as neuroprotectants, are herein described to function as agents that protect human CNS pericytes against such stressors. CP-derived pericyte protective agents (PPA) thus may find uses in treating CNS and other diseases.