Department of Neurobiology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA; email:
Annu Rev Cell Dev Biol. 2019 Oct 6;35:591-613. doi: 10.1146/annurev-cellbio-100617-062608. Epub 2019 Jul 12.
The vertebrate vasculature displays high organotypic specialization, with the structure and function of blood vessels catering to the specific needs of each tissue. A unique feature of the central nervous system (CNS) vasculature is the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The BBB regulates substance influx and efflux to maintain a homeostatic environment for proper brain function. Here, we review the development and cell biology of the BBB, focusing on the cellular and molecular regulation of barrier formation and the maintenance of the BBB through adulthood. We summarize unique features of CNS endothelial cells and highlight recent progress in and general principles of barrier regulation. Finally, we illustrate why a mechanistic understanding of the development and maintenance of the BBB could provide novel therapeutic opportunities for CNS drug delivery.
脊椎动物的脉管系统表现出高度的器官特异性,血管的结构和功能适应于每个组织的特定需求。中枢神经系统(CNS)脉管系统的一个独特特征是血脑屏障(BBB)。BBB 调节物质的流入和流出,以维持适当的大脑功能的体内平衡环境。在这里,我们综述了 BBB 的发育和细胞生物学,重点介绍了屏障形成的细胞和分子调控以及 BBB 在成年期的维持。我们总结了 CNS 内皮细胞的独特特征,并强调了屏障调控的最新进展和一般原则。最后,我们说明了为什么对 BBB 的发育和维持的机制理解可以为 CNS 药物输送提供新的治疗机会。