Figure 1.

Main processes to be targeted in each phase of ischemic stroke. Stroke follows a time-course progression throughout different phases with distinct underlying mechanisms that can be targeted to improve recovery. Blood clot formation and early BBB disruption are the key points to be targeted in the hyperacute phase. The acute phase occurs thereafter, with neuroinflammation as the main factor in injury development. Microglia activation to M1 and/or M2 phenotypes is one of the main processes for NP targeting. The subacute and chronic phases characterize repair processes, mainly neoangiogenesis and neurogenesis, respectively. Promoting this neurorepair mechanism is the main focus for NP targeting in these final phases.