Laboratoire de la Barrière Hémato-Encéphalique (LBHE), UR 2465, University Artois, F-62300 Lens, France.
Caprion Biosciences Inc., 141, Avenue du Président-Kennedy Suite 5650, Montréal, QC H2X3Y7, Canada.
Cells. 2020 Apr 1;9(4):851. doi: 10.3390/cells9040851.
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is one of the most complex and selective barriers in the human organism. Its role is to protect the brain and preserve the homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS). The central elements of this physical and physiological barrier are the endothelial cells that form a monolayer of tightly joined cells covering the brain capillaries. However, as endothelial cells regulate nutrient delivery and waste product elimination, they are very sensitive to signals sent by surrounding cells and their environment. Indeed, the neuro-vascular unit (NVU) that corresponds to the assembly of extracellular matrix, pericytes, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, microglia and neurons have the ability to influence BBB physiology. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a central role in terms of communication between cells. The NVU is no exception, as each cell can produce EVs that could help in the communication between cells in short or long distances. Studies have shown that EVs are able to cross the BBB from the brain to the bloodstream as well as from the blood to the CNS. Furthermore, peripheral EVs can interact with the BBB leading to changes in the barrier's properties. This review focuses on current knowledge and potential applications regarding EVs associated with the BBB.
血脑屏障（BBB）是人体中最复杂和选择性最强的屏障之一。它的作用是保护大脑并维持中枢神经系统（CNS）的内稳态。这个物理和生理屏障的核心元素是形成覆盖脑毛细血管单层的紧密连接细胞的内皮细胞。然而，由于内皮细胞调节营养物质的输送和废物的清除，它们对周围细胞及其环境发出的信号非常敏感。实际上，对应于细胞外基质、周细胞、星形胶质细胞、少突胶质细胞、小胶质细胞和神经元集合的神经血管单元（NVU）有能力影响 BBB 的生理学。细胞外囊泡（EVs）在细胞间的通讯中起着核心作用。NVU 也不例外，因为每个细胞都可以产生 EVs，这有助于细胞在短距离或长距离内进行通讯。研究表明，EVs 能够从大脑穿过 BBB 进入血液，也能够从血液进入 CNS。此外，外周 EVs 可以与 BBB 相互作用，导致屏障特性发生变化。这篇综述重点介绍了与 BBB 相关的 EVs 的最新知识和潜在应用。
