Abstract
This issue of Tissue Barriers contains the inaugural special issue devoted to recent advances in barrier function of endothelial and epithelial cells. We used this opportunity to invite experts in vascular endothelial cell biology and epithelial cell biology to comment on critical questions and problems in permeability of organ and tissue barriers, and to provide insight into common areas in these fields, namely how these cells maintain homeostasis and response to injury and infection. To complement these reviews, this issue also contains four research articles that explore specific questions related respiratory and intestinal epithelial cell function.