Inflammation and the Potential Implication of Macrophage-Microglia Polarization in Human ASD: An Overview

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Immunology
• Developmental Biology

Background:

• Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) presents diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
• Both genetic and non-genetic factors contribute to ASD risk.
• The exposome, encompassing environmental influences, significantly impacts prenatal development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review non-genetic risk factors in ASD etiology.
• To explore the link between inflammation, macrophage polarization, and ASD.
• To examine the role of maternal immune activation (MIA) and microglia in ASD.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on non-genetic risk factors.
• Analysis of the interplay between immune responses and neurodevelopment.
• Investigation of macrophage polarization in the context of ASD.

Main Results:

• Maternal immune activation (MIA) and autoimmune diseases alter the fetal environment, contributing to ASD.
• Neuroinflammation, driven by activated immune cells and pro-inflammatory cytokines, is implicated in ASD onset.
• Macrophage polarization is a key mechanism connecting inflammation to ASD.

Conclusions:

• Non-genetic factors, particularly MIA and inflammation, are critical in ASD development.
• Targeting neuroinflammation and understanding macrophage roles could offer therapeutic avenues.
• Further research into the exposome's impact on ASD is warranted.