Paula Goines1, Judy Van de Water. 1. Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California at Davis, California, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The following is a review of the most recent research concerning the potential role of immune system dysfunction in autism. This body of literature has expanded dramatically over the past few years as researchers continue to identify immune anomalies in individuals with autism. RECENT FINDINGS: The most exciting of these recent findings is the discovery of autoantibodies targeting brain proteins in both children with autism and their mothers. In particular, circulating maternal autoantibodies directed toward fetal brain proteins are highly specific for autism. This finding has great potential as a biomarker for disease risk and may provide an avenue for future therapeutics and prevention. Additionally, data concerning the cellular immune system in children with autism suggest there may be a defect in signaling pathways that are shared by the immune and central nervous systems. Although studies to explore this hypothesis are ongoing, there is great interest in the commonalities between the neural and immune systems and their extensive interactions. SUMMARY: In summary, the exciting research regarding the role of the immune system in autism spectrum disorders may have profound implications for diagnosis and treatment of this devastating disease.
PURPOSE OF REVIEW: The following is a review of the most recent research concerning the potential role of immune system dysfunction in autism. This body of literature has expanded dramatically over the past few years as researchers continue to identify immune anomalies in individuals with autism. RECENT FINDINGS: The most exciting of these recent findings is the discovery of autoantibodies targeting brain proteins in both children with autism and their mothers. In particular, circulating maternal autoantibodies directed toward fetal brain proteins are highly specific for autism. This finding has great potential as a biomarker for disease risk and may provide an avenue for future therapeutics and prevention. Additionally, data concerning the cellular immune system in children with autism suggest there may be a defect in signaling pathways that are shared by the immune and central nervous systems. Although studies to explore this hypothesis are ongoing, there is great interest in the commonalities between the neural and immune systems and their extensive interactions. SUMMARY: In summary, the exciting research regarding the role of the immune system in autism spectrum disorders may have profound implications for diagnosis and treatment of this devastating disease.
Authors: Elena L Grigorenko; Summer S Han; Carolyn M Yrigollen; Lin Leng; Yuka Mizue; George M Anderson; Erik J Mulder; Annelies de Bildt; Ruud B Minderaa; Fred R Volkmar; Joseph T Chang; Richard Bucala Journal: Pediatrics Date: 2008-08 Impact factor: 7.124
Authors: Sharifia Wills; Maricel Cabanlit; Jeff Bennett; Paul Ashwood; David G Amaral; Judy Van de Water Journal: Brain Behav Immun Date: 2008-07-30 Impact factor: 7.217
Authors: Daniel Braunschweig; Paul Ashwood; Paula Krakowiak; Irva Hertz-Picciotto; Robin Hansen; Lisa A Croen; Isaac N Pessah; Judy Van de Water Journal: Neurotoxicology Date: 2007-11-06 Impact factor: 4.294
Authors: Lisa A Croen; Daniel Braunschweig; Lori Haapanen; Cathleen K Yoshida; Bruce Fireman; Judith K Grether; Martin Kharrazi; Robin L Hansen; Paul Ashwood; Judy Van de Water Journal: Biol Psychiatry Date: 2008-06-20 Impact factor: 13.382
Authors: Harvey S Singer; Christina M Morris; Colin D Gause; Pam K Gillin; Stephen Crawford; Andrew W Zimmerman Journal: J Neuroimmunol Date: 2008-02-21 Impact factor: 3.478
Authors: Loren A Martin; Paul Ashwood; Daniel Braunschweig; Maricel Cabanlit; Judy Van de Water; David G Amaral Journal: Brain Behav Immun Date: 2008-02-08 Impact factor: 7.217
Authors: Zuzana Tobiasova; Klaas H B van der Lingen; Lawrence Scahill; James F Leckman; Yan Zhang; Wookjin Chae; James T McCracken; Christopher J McDougle; Benedetto Vitiello; Elaine Tierney; Michael G Aman; L Eugene Arnold; Liliya Katsovich; Pieter J Hoekstra; Fred Volkmar; Alfred L M Bothwell; Ivana Kawikova Journal: J Child Adolesc Psychopharmacol Date: 2011-11-09 Impact factor: 2.576
Authors: Gayle C Windham; Meredith Anderson; Kristen Lyall; Julie L Daniels; Tanja V E Kral; Lisa A Croen; Susan E Levy; Chyrise B Bradley; Christina Cordero; Lisa Young; Laura A Schieve Journal: Autism Res Date: 2018-12-21 Impact factor: 5.216
Authors: Elaine Y Hsiao; Sara W McBride; Janet Chow; Sarkis K Mazmanian; Paul H Patterson Journal: Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A Date: 2012-07-16 Impact factor: 11.205
Authors: S Ricci; R Businaro; F Ippoliti; V R Lo Vasco; F Massoni; E Onofri; G M Troili; V Pontecorvi; M Morelli; M Rapp Ricciardi; T Archer Journal: Neurotox Res Date: 2013-04-19 Impact factor: 3.911