Molecular Mechanisms and Targeting Strategies of the Blood–Brain Barrier
A special issue of Cells (ISSN 2073-4409). This special issue belongs to the section "Cellular Neuroscience".
Deadline for manuscript submissions: 20 July 2026 | Viewed by 21
Special Issue Editor
Special Issue Information
Dear Colleagues,
The blood–brain barrier (BBB) is a dynamic and highly selective interface that protects the central nervous system from systemic circulation while tightly regulating the exchange of essential molecules. Its integrity is vital for maintaining neural homeostasis, yet it simultaneously represents one of the greatest challenges for the effective delivery of therapeutics to the brain.
Recent advances in molecular biology, neurovascular research, and nanotechnology have provided unprecedented insights into the complex mechanisms that govern BBB structure and function. These discoveries encompass the regulation of tight junctions, the activity of transporters and receptors, and the signaling pathways that control barrier permeability in both physiological and pathological contexts.
This Special Issue, Molecular Mechanisms and Targeting Strategies of the Blood–Brain Barrier, brings together cutting-edge research and reviews that deepen our understanding of BBB molecular architecture and explore innovative approaches for its modulation. Contributions span topics such as the role of endothelial cells, astrocytes, and pericytes in BBB maintenance, molecular determinants of barrier dysfunction in neurological disorders such as neurodegenerative diseases, inflammation, brain injury, and stroke, and emerging strategies to transiently open or bypass the BBB for targeted drug delivery. By integrating insights from molecular neuroscience, pharmacology, and bioengineering, this collection aims to inspire novel therapeutic paradigms and foster interdisciplinary dialogue toward overcoming one of the most persistent obstacles in brain disease treatment.
Dr. Kasandra Bélanger
Guest Editor
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Keywords
- blood–brain barrier
- homeostasis
- neurovascular unit
- drug delivery
- neurorological disorders
- BBB integrity
- permeability
- molecular pathways
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