Toward a humanised alternative to the use of laboratory animals for blood-brain barrier research.

摘要

Central nervous system (CNS) diseases have a devastating impact on the quality of life of those affected, with large health economic and social costs globally. There are no effective treatments for many neurological diseases, including almost all viral brain infections. A major hurdle in treating CNS disease is transporting therapeutics across the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The BBB is formed by the endothelial cells that line cerebral capillaries, supported by cells of the neurovascular unit (NVU) that induce and maintain the properties of the BBB. The main function of the BBB is to restrict the entry of molecules and pathogens into the CNS and maintain brain homeostasis, which is essential for normal neuronal function. The BBB is a major challenge in drug discovery programmes, as many potential CNS drugs cannot cross the BBB due to its strict regulation of paracellular and transcellular entry of molecules. To develop better treatment strategies, we need to increase our understanding of BBB function during health and disease.