Recent advances in human iPSC-derived models of the blood-brain barrier

Fluids Barriers CNS. 2020 Apr 22;17(1):30. doi: 10.1186/s12987-020-00191-7.

Abstract

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a critical component of the central nervous system that protects neurons and other cells of the brain parenchyma from potentially harmful substances found in peripheral circulation. Gaining a thorough understanding of the development and function of the human BBB has been hindered by a lack of relevant models given significant species differences and limited access to in vivo tissue. However, advances in induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) and organ-chip technologies now allow us to improve our knowledge of the human BBB in both health and disease. This review focuses on the recent progress in modeling the BBB in vitro using human iPSCs.

Keywords: Blood–brain barrier; Brain microvascular endothelial cells; Disease modeling; Human iPSC; Induced pluripotent stem cells; Organ-chip systems.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Blood-Brain Barrier*
  • Humans
  • Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells*
  • Models, Biological*