Modulating the Blood–Brain Barrier: A Comprehensive Review
Rory Whelan, Gráinne C. Hargaden, Andrew J. S. Knox
Abstract
The highly secure blood-brain barrier (BBB) restricts drug access to the brain, limiting the molecular toolkit for treating central nervous system (CNS) diseases to small, lipophilic drugs. Development of a safe and effective BBB modulator would revolutionise the treatment of CNS diseases and future drug development in the area. Naturally, the field has garnered a great deal of attention, leading to a vast and diverse range of BBB modulators. In this review, we summarise and compare the various classes of BBB modulators developed over the last five decades-their recent advancements, advantages and disadvantages, while providing some insight into their future as BBB modulators.
Topics & Concepts
Blood–brain barrierLimitingNeuroscienceDrug developmentMedicineCentral nervous systemDrugPharmacologyBiologyEngineeringMechanical engineeringBarrier Structure and Function StudiesDrug Transport and Resistance MechanismsElectron Spin Resonance Studies