Development of Novel Therapeutics Targeting the Blood-Brain Barrier: From Barrier to Carrier.

ABSTRACT: The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a highly specialized neurovascular unit, initially described as an intact barrier to prevent toxins, pathogens, and potentially harmful substances from entering the brain. An intact BBB is also critical for the maintenance of normal neuronal function. In cerebral vascular diseases and neurological disorders, the BBB can be disrupted, contributing to disease progression. While restoration of BBB integrity serves as a robust biomarker of better clinical outcomes, the restrictive nature of the intact BBB presents a major hurdle for delivery of therapeutics into the brain. Recent studies show that the BBB is actively engaged in crosstalk between neuronal and the circulatory systems, which defines another important role of the BBB: as an interfacing conduit that

SUBMITTER: Li J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8373165 | biostudies-literature | 2021 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature