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The blood-brain barrier in psychoneuroimmunology

William A Banks1

  • 1Geriatrics Research Education and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Medical Center-St. Louis, 915 North Grand Boulevard, St. Louis, MO 63106, USA. bankswa@slu.edu

Immunology and Allergy Clinics of North America
|April 25, 2009
PubMed

Insights

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) acts as a crucial interface, regulating communication between the central nervous system (CNS) and the immune system. It controls substance exchange and can be altered by neuroimmune events.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Physiology

Background:

  • Psychoneuroimmunology explores the interaction between psychological processes, the nervous system, and the immune system.
  • The blood-brain barrier (BBB) physically and physiologically separates the central nervous system (CNS) from the peripheral immune system.
  • Understanding the BBB's role is key to deciphering neuroimmune communication.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the role of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) as a critical interface in psychoneuroimmunology.
  • To describe the mechanisms by which the BBB facilitates and regulates neuroimmune interactions.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on BBB function and neuroimmunology.
  • Analysis of the BBB's structural and functional properties in the context of immune surveillance.
  • Examination of the transport and secretory functions of the BBB relevant to neuroimmune substances.

Main Results:

  • The BBB restricts the direct mixing of blood-borne immune substances with the CNS.
  • The BBB actively transports neuroimmune-active substances between the bloodstream and the CNS.
  • The BBB itself synthesizes and secretes neuroimmune substances.
  • Neuroimmune events can modify the normal functions of the BBB.

Conclusions:

  • The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is not merely a passive barrier but an active participant in neuroimmune communication.
  • The BBB serves as a vital conduit, mediating the bidirectional exchange between the immune system and the CNS.
  • Alterations in BBB function are central to understanding psychoneuroimmunological processes.

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