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Dynamic Clamp Methods to Investigate Impaired Neuronal Excitability Associated with Autism
Published on: October 17, 2025
Altered T cell responses in children with autism
Paul Ashwood1, Paula Krakowiak, Irva Hertz-Picciotto
1Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California at Davis, CA, USA. pashwood@ucdavis.edu
Brain, Behavior, and Immunity
|September 14, 2010
Summary
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) involves immune system differences. Children with ASD showed altered T-cell activation and cytokine production, linked to behavioral and developmental changes.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neurodevelopmental Disorders
- Pediatric Health
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is defined by social, communication, and behavioral impairments.
- Immune dysfunction is a potential contributing factor to ASD etiology.
- Understanding immune system alterations in young children with ASD is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate dynamic adaptive cellular immune function in young children with ASD.
- To compare cellular immune responses between children with ASD and typically developing (TD) controls.
- To explore the association between immune function and behavioral/developmental outcomes in ASD.
Main Methods:
- Studied 66 children with ASD and 73 TD children (ages 2-5).
- Stimulated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in vitro with PHA and tetanus.
- Measured cytokine production (GM-CSF, TNFα, IL-13, IL-12p40) and T-cell activation markers (CD134, CD25, CD69, HLA-DR, CD137).
Main Results:
- ASD group showed increased GM-CSF, TNFα, and IL-13, and decreased IL-12p40 production after PHA stimulation.
- Pro-inflammatory/T(H)1 cytokine levels correlated with greater ASD core feature and aberrant behavior impairments.
- Reduced frequency of activated T cells (CD3+, CD4+, CD8+) expressing CD134 and CD25 observed in ASD.
Conclusions:
- Children with ASD exhibit significantly altered adaptive cellular immune function.
- Dysfunctional immune activation in ASD is linked to behavioral and developmental disturbances.
- Further longitudinal studies are needed to clarify the immune-dysfunction-progression relationship in ASD.
Related Concept Videos
01:19Autism Spectrum Disorder
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition marked by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction alongside restrictive and repetitive behaviors or interests. ASD is sometimes accompanied by intellectual impairment.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
These core symptoms manifest differently among individuals, ranging from mild to severe. The disorder's complexity extends beyond its clinical presentation, encompassing a diverse range of biological, cognitive, and sociocultural influences.
01:40Cell-mediated Immune Responses
Overview
01:24T Cell Types and Functions
When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...