Bypassing the blood–brain barrier

Our brains are composed of billions of neurons that need constant protection from disease-causing pathogens and toxins circulating in the blood. Part of this protection is provided by the blood–brain barrier (BBB) – a highly selective, semipermeable border of endothelial cells which, as the name suggests, acts as an essential barrier between the brain’s blood vessels and other components that make up brain tissue.

For years it has been the goal of neuroscientists and vascular biologists to find a magic bullet for temporarily opening and resealing the BBB to administer much-needed treatments for conditions such as Alzheimer’s and brain cancer. Several breakthroughs have been made and we now have numerous potential strategies for crossing the BBB that have brought us closer to this goal. However, there is still much to learn about this elusive wall and how to successfully, and safely, cross it.