Abstract

Inflammation in the central nervous system (CNS) contributes to disease pathologies by disrupting the integrity of the blood–brain barrier (BBB). Tight junctions (TJ) are a key component of the BBB. Following hypoxic–ischaemic or mechanical injury to the brain, inflammatory mediators are released such as cytokines, chemokines, and growth factors. Simultaneously, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) are released which can degrade TJ proteins. Subsequently, the function and morphology of the BBB are disrupted, which allows immune cells an opportunity to enter into the brain parenchyma. This review summarises the information on the role of TJ protein families in the BBB and provides a comprehensive summary of the mechanisms whereby inflammation breaks down the BBB by increasing degradation of TJ proteins.

摘要

中枢神经系统 (CNS) 的炎症通过破坏血脑屏障 (BBB) 的完整性而导致疾病病理。紧密连接 (TJ) 是 BBB 的关键组成部分。在大脑缺氧缺血或机械性损伤后，会释放炎症介质，例如细胞因子、趋化因子和生长因子。同时，基质金属蛋白酶 (MMPs) 被释放，可降解 TJ 蛋白。随后，BBB 的功能和形态被破坏，这使免疫细胞有机会进入脑实质。这篇综述总结了 TJ 蛋白家族在 BBB 中的作用的信息，并全面总结了炎症通过增加 TJ 蛋白降解来破坏 BBB 的机制。