The invention provides a method and kits for inhibiting integrin α9β1 activity comprising contacting integrin α9β1 or a binding partner of integrin α9β1 with an isolated anti-integrin α9 inhibitor, wherein the integrin α9β1 activity is inhibited. In certain aspects, the present invention provides a novel intervention by targeting integrin α9β1 with a functional blocking inhibitor (e.g., peptides or antibodies) to limit brain damage following reperfusion after ischemic stroke.