Pericytes generally refers to a wide range of perivascular cells surrounding microvessels（arterioles, capillaries, and venules）. It not only participates in the architecture of blood vessels, but also exhibits multiple biological functions. At present, its pluripotency is one of the research focuses. This review covered recent progress of the biological characteristics, perivascular cell markers, cell function, pluripotency of pericytes and the connection with mesenchymal stem cells.
