Blood-brain barrier and its function during inflammation and autoimmunity

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Immunology
• Physiology

Background:

• The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a critical interface protecting the central nervous system (CNS).
• BBB dysfunction is an early indicator in diverse neurological conditions, including autoimmune, neurodegenerative, and infectious diseases.
• Maintaining BBB integrity is essential for CNS homeostasis and neuronal function.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the current understanding of blood-brain barrier composition and function.
• To highlight recent findings on regulatory elements of BBB function under physiological and inflammatory conditions.
• To discuss strategies for controlling BBB structure and function for therapeutic benefit.

Main Methods:

• Review of clinical and experimental findings on BBB function.
• Analysis of recent advancements in in vitro 3D BBB models and fluidic chambers.
• Examination of cell-type specific reporter and knockout mouse models.

Main Results:

• BBB dysfunction is a common early feature across a spectrum of neurological disorders.
• Progress has been made in understanding BBB regulation in both homeostatic and neuroinflammatory states.
• Novel in vitro and in vivo models are improving the study of BBB dynamics.

Conclusions:

• Understanding BBB regulation is crucial for developing targeted therapies for neurological diseases.
• While some drugs improve BBB function, they carry risks of infection due to broad immunomodulation.
• Advanced models offer new avenues to explore and potentially control BBB structure and function.