In this thematic issue, Fluids and Barriers of the CNS aims to bring together papers related to in vitro modeling of the blood-brain barrier and the neurovascular unit (NVU). In recent years, major advances have been made in the field including the use of brain endothelial cells derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells, NVU models composed of multiple cell types, and the development of novel 3D models, including the use of microchips. Such advances are increasing our understanding of barrier function and intercellular crosstalk in health and disease, identification of therapeutic targets, and methods for high-throughput screenings of drugs for treatment of neurological diseases.
This collection of articles has not been sponsored and articles have undergone the journal’s standard peer-review process.