Viral Infection and the Blood-Brain Barrier: Molecular Research Insights and Therapies - Takeaways - MDSpire

Viral Infection and the Blood-Brain Barrier: Molecular Research Insights and Therapies

  • By

  • Sarah A Boardman

  • Claire Hetherington

  • Thomas Hughes

  • Callum Cook

  • Ian Galea

  • Orla Hilton

  • Tom Solomon

  • Andrew D Luster

  • Stuart Allan

  • Evelyn Kurt-Jones

  • Joe Forth

  • Adjanie Patabendige

  • Franklyn N Egbe

  • Cordelia Dunai

  • Benedict D Michael

  • September 29, 2025

  • 0 min

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  • 1

    Viral infections can disrupt the blood-brain barrier (BBB), leading to neurologic complications such as encephalitis and meningitis.

  • 2

    The integrity of the BBB is maintained by brain endothelial cells, pericytes, and astrocytes, which form the neurovascular unit.

  • 3

    Increased BBB permeability during viral infections can occur through direct neurotropism, Trojan horse mechanisms, or systemic inflammation.

  • 4

    Clinical assessment of BBB integrity can utilize biomarkers like the CSF/serum albumin quotient and dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI.

  • 5

    Herpes simplex virus is a leading cause of viral encephalitis, with significant incidence rates and severe neurologic manifestations.

Original Source(s)

Viral Infection and the Blood-Brain Barrier: Molecular Research Insights and Therapies

  • by Sarah A Boardman, Claire Hetherington, Thomas Hughes, Callum Cook, Ian Galea, Orla Hilton, Tom Solomon, Andrew D Luster, Stuart Allan, Evelyn Kurt-Jones, Joe Forth, Adjanie Patabendige, Franklyn N Egbe, Cordelia Dunai, Benedict D Michael

  • September 29, 2025

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