Celbarrière

Celbarrière is a term that appears in some texts as a shorthand for cellular barriers, i.e., the structures formed by epithelial or endothelial cell layers that regulate exchange between two compartments. It is not a standard term in most modern biology; the more widely accepted expression is barrière cellulaire or barrier cellulaire.

Cellular barriers function to maintain tissue homeostasis, protect against pathogens, and control the selective passage of ions, nutrients, and signaling molecules. They rely on specialized cell–cell junctions and the underlying basement membrane, as well as mucus or glycocalyx in certain tissues. Key molecular components include tight junction proteins (claudins, occludin), adherens junctions, and gap junctions, along with polarity complexes and cytoskeletal elements.

Common examples include the intestinal barrier, which facilitates nutrient absorption while limiting luminal microbes; the blood-brain barrier, which restricts central nervous system exposure to circulating substances; the epidermal barrier of the skin; and the alveolar-capillary barrier in the lungs. Barrier integrity is measured experimentally by methods such as transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and permeability assays, often using in vitro models like Caco-2 or organ-on-a-chip systems.

Dysfunction of cellular barriers is linked to a range of diseases, including inflammatory bowel disease, eczema, multiple sclerosis, and metastatic cancer. In pharmacology and drug delivery, barrier properties influence absorption, distribution, and the design of delivery systems.

Because celbarrière is not a standard term, contemporary literature typically uses barrière cellulaire or barriers of specific tissues. When introducing the term, authors should clarify its intended meaning to avoid ambiguity.