PROBLEM: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-like phenotypes in murine models are linked to elevated pro-inflammatory cytokine profiles caused by maternal immune activation (MIA), but whether MIA alters the immune response in the offspring remains unclear. METHOD OF STUDY: Polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly:[IC]) was used to induce MIA in immunocompetent and control TLR3-deficient pregnant mice, and cytokine levels were measured in maternal and foetal organs. Furthermore, cytokines and behaviour responses were tested after challenge with lipopolysaccharide in 7-day-old and adult mice. RESULTS: MIA induced on E12 resulted in changes in the cytokine expression profile in maternal and foetal organs and correlated with TNFα and IL-18 dysregulation in immune organs and brains from neonatal mice born to MIA-induced dams. Such changes further correlated with altered behavioural responses in adulthood. CONCLUSION: MIA induced by pathogens during pregnancy can interfere with the development of the foetal immune and nervous systems leading to dysfunctional immune responses and behaviour in offspring.
PROBLEM: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-like phenotypes in murine models are linked to elevated pro-inflammatory cytokine profiles caused by maternal immune activation (MIA), but whether MIA alters the immune response in the offspring remains unclear. METHOD OF STUDY: Polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (poly:[IC]) was used to induce MIA in immunocompetent and control TLR3-deficient pregnant mice, and cytokine levels were measured in maternal and foetal organs. Furthermore, cytokines and behaviour responses were tested after challenge with lipopolysaccharide in 7-day-old and adult mice. RESULTS: MIA induced on E12 resulted in changes in the cytokine expression profile in maternal and foetal organs and correlated with TNFα and IL-18 dysregulation in immune organs and brains from neonatal mice born to MIA-induced dams. Such changes further correlated with altered behavioural responses in adulthood. CONCLUSION: MIA induced by pathogens during pregnancy can interfere with the development of the foetal immune and nervous systems leading to dysfunctional immune responses and behaviour in offspring.
Authors: Haley E Rymut; Laurie A Rund; Courtni R Bolt; María B Villamil; Diane E Bender; Bruce R Southey; Rodney W Johnson; Sandra L Rodriguez-Zas Journal: Animals (Basel) Date: 2021-04-01 Impact factor: 2.752
Authors: Haley E Rymut; Laurie A Rund; Courtni R Bolt; Maria B Villamil; Bruce R Southey; Rodney W Johnson; Sandra L Rodriguez-Zas Journal: Animals (Basel) Date: 2021-08-01 Impact factor: 2.752
Authors: V R S Monteiro; C B V Andrade; H R Gomes; M W Reginatto; G E Império; K N Fontes; D A Spiess; W S Rangel-Junior; V M O Nascimento; C O S Lima; R P C Sousa; F F Bloise; S G Matthews; E Bloise; P M Pimentel-Coelho; T M Ortiga-Carvalho Journal: Sci Rep Date: 2022-06-17 Impact factor: 4.996