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Published on: October 17, 2025
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The Neuroimmunology of Autism
Jeet Varia1, Martha Herbert2,3, Brian Hooker4
1Children's Health Defense, Franklin Lakes, NJ, USA.
Molecular Neurobiology
|December 20, 2025
Summary
Immune system dysfunction, not static brain damage, is increasingly linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Environmental factors and the interplay between nervous, immune, and microbiome systems are key to understanding ASD pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Neuroimmunology
- Developmental Neuroscience
- Microbiome Research
Background:
- Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) research is shifting from static encephalopathy models.
- Growing evidence implicates immune system alterations and maladaptations in ASD.
- Environmental insults and complex physiological processes involving nervous, immune, and microbiome interactions are central to ASD.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a conceptual framework for understanding the immune system's role in ASD pathophysiology.
- To review clinical research and interdisciplinary perspectives on ASD.
- To explore the interconnection between the nervous, immune, and microbiome systems in ASD.
Main Methods:
- Narrative review of existing literature.
- Focus on clinical research and theoretical discourse.
- Examination of historical, epidemiological, and etiological underpinnings.
Main Results:
- The immune system plays a critical role in the etiology, pathogenesis, and pathophysiology of ASD.
- Interactions between the nervous system, immune system, and host microbiota are crucial.
- These interactions influence neurodevelopment, physiological health, and psychological processes in ASD.
Conclusions:
- A neuroimmunological perspective is essential for understanding ASD.
- Future therapeutic strategies for ASD should adopt a multi-scale, holistic approach.
- Moving beyond reductionist paradigms is necessary for effective ASD treatment.
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