Blood–brain barrier structural proteins

Blood–brain barrier structural proteins are a group of proteins—including tight junction proteins (e.g., Claudins, Occludins), junctional adhesion molecules (JAMs), and scaffolding proteins (e.g., ZO-1)—that seal the spaces between endothelial cells in brain microvasculature, forming a highly selective and semipermeable barrier between the blood and brain tissue. These proteins prevent unwanted solute passage, maintain CNS homeostasis, and contribute to the protective neurovascular unit. Dysfunction or alteration in these proteins is implicated in numerous neurologic diseases, and while individual structural proteins may be drug targets or biomarkers, the collective group does not constitute a typical molecular target for therapeutic intervention.