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Peripheral Blood Treg/Th17 Imbalance and Altered Th2 Cytokine Profiles in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Guihua Wu1, Yinjin Shao2

  • 1Ganzhou People's Hospital, No. 17 Hongqi Avenue, Ganzhou, Jiangxi Province, 341000, China.

Molecular Neurobiology
|August 14, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) show an immune imbalance with more T helper 17 (Th17) cells and elevated cytokines IL-10, IL-4, and IL-5. These immune changes may indicate potential biomarkers for ASD.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Neuroscience
  • Pediatrics

Background:

  • Intestinal microbial imbalance is linked to immune abnormalities and may contribute to autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
  • Understanding immune system alterations is crucial for investigating ASD pathogenesis.
  • This study focuses on immune-related cytokines and T cell profiles in children with ASD.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate differences in immune-related cytokines and T cell subpopulations between children with ASD and healthy controls.
  • To identify potential immune biomarkers associated with ASD.
  • To explore the relationship between gut microbiota, immune function, and ASD.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective cross-sectional study involving 45 children with ASD and 45 age- and sex-matched healthy controls.
  • Analysis of serum cytokines (IL-10, IL-4, IL-5) and peripheral blood T cell subpopulations (regulatory T cells [Treg] and T helper type 17 [Th17] cells).
  • Comparison of these immune markers between the ASD and control groups.

Main Results:

  • Children with ASD showed significantly higher Th17 cell proportions and lower Treg cell proportions, resulting in a reduced Treg/Th17 ratio.
  • Elevated serum levels of IL-10, IL-4, and IL-5 were observed in the ASD group.
  • IL-10 levels positively correlated with Th17 cell proportions, suggesting a compensatory anti-inflammatory response.

Conclusions:

  • Children with ASD exhibit a Treg/Th17 imbalance favoring Th17 cells, along with increased IL-10, IL-4, and IL-5 levels.
  • These immune alterations may reflect compensatory anti-inflammatory and Th2 responses.
  • The identified immune markers could potentially serve as biomarkers for ASD, though peripheral blood analysis may not fully represent gut immune status.
Abstract

Keywords:
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)Immune dysregulationSerum IL-10Th2 cytokinesTreg/Th17 imbalance

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