Children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) characterized by frequent viral infection and subsequent loss of cognitive skills differ in mRNA expression of peripheral blood monocytes from other ASD children (136.7)

Abstract

Abstract We have reported presence of an ASD subset distinguished by recurrent loss of previously acquired cognitive skills with worsening behavioral symptoms triggered by infection (typically viral), which may be associated with altered TLR responses important for neuro-immune interactions involving IL-1β. This study assessed gene expression of peripheral blood (PB) monocytes in this ASD subset (ASD-test group, N=14, median 7.8 yr) in comparison with control ASD (N=11, median 6.8 yr) and normal children (N=5, median 8yr). Both the ASD groups regressed at the onset of ASD and had high frequency of non-IgE mediated food allergy. The ASD test group also had lower IL-10 production with recall antigens than 24 normal controls. Microarray analysis revealed difference of mRNA expression (two fold or more) of 1593 genes in the ASD-test group and 2704 genes ASD-controls as compared to normal controls. IL-1 pathway related genes were over-represented in the ASD-test group (p=0.002) while IL-2, IL-3, IL-9, α-integrin (all p<0.05), and TNF-α pathway (p=0.001) genes were over-represented in the ASD-control group (GeneSpring GX). Among 844 genes belonging to both the ASD groups, IL-2 and IL-3 pathway related genes were enriched (p<0.05). Our results indicate notable difference in the ASD test and control groups at the level of mRNA expression in PB monocytes, supporting our previous results. Partly funded by Jonty Foundation and ARI.