부산대학교 도서관

A variety of neuroprotectants have shown promise in treating ischemic stroke, yet their delivery to the brain remains a challenge. The endothelial cells lining the blood-brain barrier (BBB) are emerging as a dynamic factor in the response to neurological injury and disease, and the endothelial-neuronal matrix coupling is fundamentally neuroprotective. In this review, we discuss approaches that target the endothelium for drug delivery both across the BBB and to the BBB as a viable strategy to facilitate neuroprotective effects, using the example of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). We highlight the advances in cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) used for CNS targeting and drug delivery. We also discuss the potential of engineered EVs as a potent strategy to deliver BDNF or other drug candidates to the ischemic brain, particularly when coupled with internal components like mitochondria that may increase cellular energetics in injured endothelial cells. [Display omitted] • Drug delivery to the brain is limited by the blood-brain barrier (BBB). • Delivery to the BBB endothelial cells is a promising strategy for treating stroke. • The endothelial-neuronal matrix coupling can be exploited for delivering therapies. • Brain-derived neurotrophic factor is a candidate molecule for endothelial targeting. • Engineered extracellular vesicles can deliver drugs to the brain endothelia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]