The blood-brain barrier friend or foe?

Excerpt

The concept for this special issue arose during a workshop organised by The Brains for Brain Foundation in March 2012. The Foundation is dedicated to promoting research and improved therapeutics for inherited paediatric neurodegenerative diseases (www.​brains4brain.​eu). The Foundation was formed 6 years ago in Madrid when approximately 50 basic scientists and clinicians came together to discuss their work. Prior to the meeting the two groups knew little of each other’s background. One group were experts in the treatment of lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs) and the other group were experienced basic scientists studying the cerebral microvasculature which forms the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The meeting was convened to enhance an exchange of ideas between these groups. The combined group has now met annually, and participation has grown. …