Inflammatory domains modulate autism spectrum disorder susceptibility during maternal nutritional programming

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Immunology
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition with unclear causes.
• Maternal immune activation (MIA) during pregnancy is a potential risk factor for ASD.
• Maternal obesity and associated inflammation are linked to increased ASD risk in offspring.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the effects of obesity-induced MIA on immune cells and brain structure in ASD.
• To explore the role of maternal programming and epigenetics in ASD development.
• To discuss the cross-talk between central and peripheral immune systems in ASD.

Main Methods:

• Review of basic and clinical studies on MIA and ASD.
• Analysis of immune cell priming (peripheral and microglia) in offspring.
• Examination of brain structural abnormalities in ASD models.

Main Results:

• Maternal high-fat diet programming induces a pro-inflammatory state.
• This inflammation can lead to aberrant synaptic pruning and impaired neurogenesis.
• Evidence suggests epigenetic changes in immune cells of individuals with ASD.

Conclusions:

• Maternal programming via diet influences immune cross-talk, affecting brain development.
• This immune dysregulation may contribute to macro- and microstructural brain defects in ASD.
• Understanding MIA's role is crucial for identifying autism susceptibility factors.