Autophagic degradation of claudin-5 mediated by its binding to a Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin fragment modulates endothelial barrier permeability

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) protects the central nervous system (CNS) from harmful elements, while it also restricts efficient drug delivery into the CNS. Previously, we generated a mutated fragment of Clostridium perfringens enterotoxin (cCPE(YWSH)) which specifically binds to the endothelial tight junction protein claudin-5. Here, we explore the mechanisms regulating the dynamics of membranous claudin-5 and BBB permeability. Following cCPE(YWSH) binding to claudin-5, caveolin-1 mediates the redistribution of claudin-5 to the cytosol. This abnormal cytosolic aggregation triggers the autophagic degradation of claudin-5, leading to an increase in BBB permeability. Enhancement or inhibition of autophagy accelerates or inhibits the degradation of cytosolic claudin-5, respectively. Our findings may pave the way for improving BBB permeability for drug delivery.