Blood-brain barrier integrity (BBB integrity)

Blood-brain barrier integrity refers to the functional state of the blood–brain barrier (BBB), a highly selective semipermeable border formed primarily by endothelial cells lining cerebral microvessels. The BBB regulates the passage of molecules between the bloodstream and brain tissue, protecting neural tissue from toxins, pathogens, and fluctuations in plasma composition while allowing essential nutrients to pass[1][4][6]. Its structure is maintained by tight junctions composed mainly of proteins such as occludin and claudins; these are supported by pericytes, astrocyte end-feet, basement membrane components, and other glial cells[4][5][8]. Disruption or dysfunction in BBB integrity is implicated in various neurological diseases—including multiple sclerosis (MS), Alzheimer’s disease, stroke, neuroinflammation—and can lead to increased permeability that allows harmful substances or immune cells into the CNS[2][3][5]. While restoration or modulation of BBB integrity is a therapeutic goal in some contexts[3], "blood-brain barrier integrity" itself is not a single molecular target but rather a physiological property resulting from complex interactions among many cellular components. Therefore it should not be considered a canonical drug target like an enzyme or receptor; instead it describes an emergent property critical for CNS health[1][3]. Note: This entry is marked as incorrect for use as a canonical molecular target because "blood-brain barrier integrity" describes a physiological state rather than an individual molecule or protein amenable to direct pharmacological targeting. Instead, specific proteins involved in maintaining this property—such as tight junction proteins (occludin/claudin), transporters (GLUT1), signaling molecules (annexin A1/ANXA1), receptors (FPR2)—are more appropriate targets for structured data extraction on drug discovery efforts related to BBB function[2][5].

Other names

Blood-brain barrierBBBblood–brain barrier functionblood–brain barrier permeability