Therapeutic Targets for Neurodevelopmental Disorders Emerging from Animal Models with Perinatal Immune Activation

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Immunology
• Psychiatry

Background:

• Epidemiological studies link perinatal viral infections to increased psychiatric disorder risk.
• Astrocyte-neuron and gut microbiome interactions are implicated in neurodevelopmental disorders following immune insults.
• Maternal immune activation and polyriboinosinic polyribocytidylic acid models identify molecules involved in brain dysfunction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the functions of candidate molecules in neurodevelopment and brain function.
• To discuss the potential of these molecules as therapeutic targets for psychiatric disorders.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on perinatal infections, neurodevelopmental disorders, and candidate molecules.
• Analysis of the role of astrocytes, neurons, and gut microbiomes in disease pathogenesis.
• Examination of molecular mechanisms underlying brain dysfunction.

Main Results:

• Several candidate molecules have been identified in neurodevelopmental disorder models.
• These molecules play roles in neurodevelopment and overall brain function.
• Astrocyte-neuron and gut microbiome interactions are crucial pathways.

Conclusions:

• Understanding candidate molecules offers insights into psychiatric disorder development.
• Targeting specific molecules may provide novel therapeutic strategies for psychiatric disorders.
• Further research is needed to validate therapeutic potential.