| Article ID | Journal | Published Year | Pages | File Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2080495 | Drug Discovery Today | 2012 | 6 Pages |
Epithelial cells are pivotal in the separation of the body from the outside environment. Orally administered drugs must pass across epithelial cell sheets, and most pathological organisms invade the body through epithelial cells. Tight junctions (TJs) are sealing complexes between adjacent epithelial cells. Modulation of TJ components is a potent strategy for increasing absorption. Inflammation often causes disruption of the TJ barrier. Molecular imaging technology has enabled elucidation of the dynamics of TJs. Molecular pathological analysis has shown the relationship between TJ components and molecular pathological conditions. In this article, we discuss TJ-targeted drug development over the past 2 years.
► Defects in the intestinal tight junction barrier were observed in malignant inflammatory diseases. ► Defects in the epidermal tight junction barrier increase the susceptibility of patients with atopic dermatitis to widespread subcutaneous infection with viral pathogens. ► A tight junction component is a co-receptor for hepatitis C virus. ► Breakdown of the blood–retinal barrier is a hallmark of diabetic retinopathy. ► Components of tight junction barrier might be potential targets for therapies.
