Strain differences in behaviour and immunity in aged mice: Relevance to Autism

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Immunology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a global neurodevelopmental condition.
• Research on ASD predominantly focuses on childhood, with limited studies in adult and aged populations.
• The BTBR mouse model exhibits social interaction deficits and repetitive behaviors relevant to ASD.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate behavioral and immune function differences in aged BTBR mice compared to aged C57bl/6 controls.
• To determine if ASD-associated behavioral deficits persist into old age.
• To explore potential immune system involvement in aged ASD models.

Main Methods:

• Comparison of aged BTBR T+Itpr3tf/J mice with age-matched C57bl/6 control mice.
• Assessment of behavioral alterations, including repetitive behaviors, social deficits, cognition, and anxiety.
• Analysis of immune function, specifically T-cell activation.

Main Results:

• Key ASD-associated behavioral deficits (repetitive behaviors, social deficits, cognition) are maintained in aged BTBR mice.
• Older BTBR mice display nuanced differences in anxiety compared to controls.
• BTBR mice exhibit an activated T-cell immune system.

Conclusions:

• ASD-associated behavioral impairments persist into old age.
• Aging ASD mouse models show distinct immune system activation, particularly in T-cells.
• Interventions targeting the immune system may be necessary for addressing ASD impairments in older individuals.