The crosstalk between blood-brain barrier and neural cells: bidirectional regulation of brain function and pathology

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) serves as a crucial interface between the circulatory system and the central nervous system (CNS), playing a fundamental role in preserving normal brain function and homeostasis.The BBB closely interacts with various neural cells. However, the bidirectional communication between the BBB and neural cells remains incompletely understood. This review investigates the interactions between BBB and neural cells- pericytes neurons, astrocytes, microglia, oligodendrocytes and oligodendrocytes-specifically examining their functions in maintaining BBB structural integrity and barrier function. We further summarize the molecular mechanisms underlying BBB dysfunction in neurological diseases and highlight the role of BBB-neural cell crosstalk in these conditions. Moreover, we emphasize the importance of further studies to clarify how neural cells precisely regulate BBB integrity, tailor individualized treatment strategies, and improve outcomes for neurological disorders. Such advancements would provide valuable insights for both ongoing research and clinical practice.