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Probing the Brain in Autism Using fMRI and Diffusion Tensor Imaging
Published on: September 12, 2011
Innate immune dysfunction and neuroinflammation in autism spectrum disorder (ASD)
H K Hughes1, R J Moreno1, P Ashwood1
1Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis, CA, USA; The M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California at Davis, CA, USA.
Brain, Behavior, and Immunity
|December 9, 2022
Summary
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) involves immune system dysfunction, particularly innate immune cells and neuroinflammation. This review highlights recent findings on aberrant cellular function and microglia activation in ASD.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with rising prevalence.
- Characterized by social communication deficits and restricted, repetitive behaviors.
- Etiology is multifactorial, involving genetic and environmental factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on innate immune dysfunction in ASD.
- To explore the role of neuroinflammation and microglia activation in ASD.
- To present evidence from human and animal models.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review of recent studies on innate immunity in ASD.
- Analysis of data from human and animal models examining immune cell function.
- Synthesis of evidence linking immune dysfunction to ASD characteristics.
Main Results:
- Consistent evidence of innate immune system dysfunction in individuals with ASD.
- Aberrant function observed in circulating myeloid cells and brain-resident microglia.
- Association between immune dysfunction and behavioral severity in ASD.
Conclusions:
- Innate immune dysfunction and neuroinflammation are implicated in the etiology of some ASD cases.
- Microglia activation and aberrant innate cellular function are key findings.
- Further research into immune-neural interactions is crucial for understanding ASD.
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