Many studies in recent years have reported cell therapies using embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, and bone marrow-derived mononuclear cells for cerebral ischemia. However, obtaining these cells is challenging, and these cell therapies require complicated procedures to prepare cells for administration. Notably, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) are a useful cell source for clinical applications because cell collection is easier. In this review, we report the therapeutic effects of PBMCs preconditioned by oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD-PBMCs) on cerebral ischemia. Cell therapies using tissue-protective OGD-PBMCs might be a simple and ideal therapeutic strategy against ischemic stroke.