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Published on: October 17, 2025
Immunological findings in autism
Hari Har Parshad Cohly1, Asit Panja
1Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Mississippi 39217, USA.
International Review of Neurobiology
|March 4, 2006
Summary
Autism involves immune system dysfunction, including pro-inflammatory cytokines and autoimmunity, potentially triggered by environmental factors like mercury and measles virus. Further research into these immunopathogenic mechanisms is crucial for potential prevention and treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Developmental Neuroscience
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is increasingly linked to immune system dysregulation.
- Key immune abnormalities include altered pro-inflammatory cytokine profiles and autoimmune processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a schematic overview of the immunopathogenesis of autism.
- To identify candidate environmental triggers and genetic factors involved in immune dysfunction in autism.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on immune responses, environmental factors, and genetic associations in autism.
- Analysis of immune cell subsets (CD4, Th1/Th2), antibody levels (IgA, IgG), and cytokine expression (TNF-alpha, TGF-beta1).
Main Results:
- Impaired cell-mediated immunity (low CD4, Th2 skewing) and humoral immunity (decreased IgA) observed in autism.
- Evidence supports autoimmune mechanisms, with elevated brain-specific antibodies (anti-NAFP, anti-GFAP) and increased MMR antibodies in autistic individuals.
- Environmental factors like mercury exposure and measles virus infection are implicated as potential triggers, affecting immune homeostasis and cytokine production.
Conclusions:
- Immune dysregulation, encompassing inflammation and autoimmunity, plays a significant role in autism's immunopathogenesis.
- Environmental triggers and genetic factors (MHC region) contribute to these immune alterations.
- Further multi-level investigations are needed to develop targeted prevention and treatment strategies for autism.
