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The blood-brain barrier and immune function and dysfunction

William A Banks1, Michelle A Erickson

  • 1Geriatrics Research Educational and Clinical Center, Veterans Affairs Medical Center-St. Louis, USA. bankswa@slu.edu

Neurobiology of Disease
|August 12, 2009
PubMed

Insights

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) regulates immune system access to the central nervous system (CNS). This review explores how BBB disruption, immune cell entry, and molecular transport impact neuroimmune interactions.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Immunology
  • Physiology

Background:

  • The blood-brain barrier (BBB) separates the peripheral circulation from the central nervous system (CNS).
  • It comprises multiple barriers, including CNS capillaries and the choroid plexus.
  • The BBB plays a crucial role in regulating neuroimmune axis interactions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To examine four key aspects of BBB-neuroimmune interactions.
  • To understand the mechanisms of BBB disruption by LPS and cytokines.
  • To explore immune cell trafficking and the BBB's role in neuroinflammation.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on BBB function and neuroimmunology.
  • Analysis of studies investigating the impact of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and cytokines on the BBB.
  • Examination of research on immune cell transmigration across the BBB.

Main Results:

  • The BBB is a dynamic interface, not a static shield.
  • LPS and cytokines can disrupt BBB integrity, allowing immune factor entry.
  • Cytokine transport and immune cell trafficking are tightly regulated processes across the BBB.

Conclusions:

  • The BBB is integral to the neuroimmune axis, modulating CNS-immune system communication.
  • Understanding BBB dynamics is critical for developing therapies for neurological and immune disorders.
  • Further research into BBB regulation can elucidate mechanisms of neuroinflammation and CNS disease.

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