Differential Gender Effects in the Relationship between Perceived Immune Functioning and Autistic Traits.

Marlou Mackus,Aletta Kraneveld,Johan Garssen,Joris Verster,Deborah Kruijff,Leila Otten

doi:10.3390/ijerph14040409

Abstract

Altered immune functioning has been demonstrated in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The current study explores the relationship between perceived immune functioning and experiencing ASD traits in healthy young adults. N = 410 students from Utrecht University completed a survey on immune functioning and autistic traits. In addition to a 1-item perceived immune functioning rating, the Immune Function Questionnaire (IFQ) was completed to assess perceived immune functioning. The Dutch translation of the Autism-Spectrum Quotient (AQ) was completed to examine variation in autistic traits, including the domains “social insights and behavior”, “difficulties with change”, “communication”, “phantasy and imagination”, and “detail orientation”. The 1-item perceived immune functioning score did not significantly correlate with the total AQ score. However, a significant negative correlation was found between perceived immune functioning and the AQ subscale “difficulties with change” (r = −0.119, p = 0.019). In women, 1-item perceived immune functioning correlated significantly with the AQ subscales “difficulties with change” (r = −0.149, p = 0.029) and “communication” (r = −0.145, p = 0.032). In men, none of the AQ subscales significantly correlated with 1-item perceived immune functioning. In conclusion, a modest relationship between perceived immune functioning and several autistic traits was found.

Highlights

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disease, characterized by an inability to form normal social relationships or communication and restricted and repetitive behavior [1].The prevalence of ASD is four times higher in men than in women [2].Anomalies of the immune system are frequently described among a subset of individuals with ASD, and are often associated with the primary features of ASD [3,4,5]
Enhanced innate natural killer cells (NKCs) and monocyte immune responses have been reported in ASD individuals [5]
The aim of the current study was to examine the association between perceived immune functioning and the presence of autism spectrum traits in healthy young adults

Summary

Introduction

Anomalies of the immune system are frequently described among a subset of individuals with ASD, and are often associated with the primary features of ASD [3,4,5]. These include neuroinflammation, the presence of auto-antibodies, and increased T cell responses. Enhanced innate natural killer cells (NKCs) and monocyte immune responses have been reported in ASD individuals [5]. Such dysfunctions in the immune system are suggested to directly interfere with neurodevelopment and neurological processes that are causing changes in behavior

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