Neuro-inflammatory mechanisms in developmental disorders associated with Intellectual Disability and Autism Spectrum Disorder: a neuro-immune perspective.

Neuro-inflammatory mechanisms in developmental disorders associated with Intellectual Disability and Autism Spectrum Disorder: a neuro-immune perspective. CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets. 2016 Mar 20; Authors: Di Marco B, Bonaccorso CM, Aloisi E, D'Antoni S, Catania MV Abstract Intellectual disability (ID) and autism are present in several neurodevelopmental disorders and are often associated in genetic syndromes, such as Fragile X and Rett syndromes. While most evidence indicates that a genetic component plays an important role in the aetiology of both autism and ID, a number of studies suggest that immunological dysfunctions may participate in the pathophysiology of these disorders. Brain-specific autoantibodies have been detected in the sera of many autistic children and autoimmune disorders are increased in families of children with autism. Furthermore, cytokine imbalance has been reported in children with autism. These results may reflect an inappropriate immune response to environmental factors, such as infectious or toxic exposure. The role of microglia as sensors of pre- and post-natal environmental stimuli and its involvement in the regulation of synaptic connectivity, maturation of brain circuitry and neurogenesis has recently emerged. An abnormal immune response during critical windows of development and consequent abnormal production of neuro-inflammatory mediators may have an impact on the function and structure of brain ...
Source: CNS and Neurological Disorders Drug Targets - Category: Drugs & Pharmacology Authors: Tags: CNS Neurol Disord Drug Targets Source Type: research