REVIEW article
Front. Cell Dev. Biol.
Sec. Signaling
The role of astrocytes in ischemic stroke - mechanisms, functions and treatment
Provisionally accepted
- 1China Medical University, Shenyang, China
- 2Department of general surgery, Cancer Hospital of China Medical University. Liaoning Cancer Hospital & Institute, Shenyang, China
- 3The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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Ischemic stroke, characterized by localized cerebral hypoperfusion due to various etiologies, exhibits high global incidence and mortality rates. Astrocytes, as key structural and functional components of the neurovascular unit, play a critical role in maintaining homeostasis in the central nervous system. Following ischemic stroke, astrocytes undergo activation and adopt a distinct phenotype known as reactive astrocytes, which exert complex and dual roles in the pathological process. Upon ischemic injury, astrocyte activation often exacerbates damage and impairs functional recovery; however, it can also confer neuroprotection by shielding neurons from injury and releasing trophic factors to facilitate repair. Importantly, due to the intricate cascade of events and mechanisms involved after ischemic stroke, the precise role of astrocytes remains challenging to definitively elucidate. Nonetheless, astrocytes represent a pivotal target for therapeutic interventions in ischemic stroke. Herein, we review the activation of astrocytes following ischemic stroke, focusing on the intrinsic molecular mechanisms and functional implications of astrocyte reactivity. Additionally, we discuss the potential of combining rehabilitation technologies to enhance drug delivery and therapeutic efficacy, offering a promising strategy for the treatment of ischemic stroke.
Keywords: ischemic stroke, Astrocytes, Inflammation, Blood-Brain Barrier, combination therapy
Received: 07 Sep 2025; Accepted: 27 Nov 2025.
Copyright: © 2025 Wang, Wang, Li and Ma. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
* Correspondence: Yuewen Ma
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