Long-term pathological consequences of prenatal infection: beyond brain disorders

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Immunology
• Metabolic disorders

Background:

• Prenatal immunological challenges, like maternal infection, are linked to neurodevelopmental brain disorders.
• Emerging evidence suggests these challenges also impact peripheral physiological and metabolic functions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the connection between prenatal immune challenges and a broader range of physiological/metabolic abnormalities.
• To investigate if peripheral changes contribute to central nervous system (CNS) dysfunctions.
• To assess the potential of targeting peripheral abnormalities for ameliorating behavioral deficits.

Main Methods:

• Review of epidemiological and experimental evidence.
• Analysis of animal models demonstrating links between peripheral pathologies and CNS dysfunction.

Main Results:

• Prenatal immune challenges are associated with increased adipose tissue, impaired glycemic regulation, altered myeloid development, gut permeability, hyperpurinergia, and gut microbiota changes.
• Experimental data indicate peripheral abnormalities can directly contribute to CNS dysfunctions.
• Normalization of peripheral pathologies shows potential for improving behavioral deficits.

Conclusions:

• Central and peripheral effects of prenatal infection may be interrelated pathological entities stemming from a common developmental stressor.
• Targeting peripheral abnormalities offers a promising strategy for managing the spectrum of behavioral abnormalities associated with prenatal infection history.