Immune Involvement in Autism Spectrum Disorder as a Basis for Animal Models

Elaine Y Hsiao

doi:10.4172/2165-7890.s1-003

Abstract

Several of the environmental stimuli suggested to play a role in the pathogenesis of ASD involve altered immune responses during gestation. In this review, we discuss maternal immune activation as a primary risk factor for ASD, with an emphasis on recent findings from animal models of prenatal immune challenges. We further address the presence of autoantibodies as an additional immune-related autism risk factor, drawing upon work done in rodent and monkey models. We then explore the intersection between genetic and environmental susceptibility, with a focus on gene-environment interactions and immune involvement, in genetic risk factors for autism. Finally, we provide emerging evidence for the role of immune dysregulation in the pathogenesis of ASD.

Highlights

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) consists of a heterogeneous group of syndromes, defined by the presence and severity of repetitive/ stereotypic behaviors, abnormal social interaction and impaired communication
Despite continued advances in generation sequencing, very few ASD cases can be attributed to a defined genetic etiology, and it is estimated that identified genetic risk factors collectively account for only 10-20% of ASD cases [3,4]
Much remains to be explored in animal models of the autoantibody risk factor for ASD, including the question of whether maternal autoantibodies can cross the placenta and enter the fetal brain at significant levels

Summary

Introduction

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) consists of a heterogeneous group of syndromes, defined by the presence and severity of repetitive/ stereotypic behaviors, abnormal social interaction and impaired communication. First or second trimester maternal poly(I:C) injection of rhesus macaques leads to autism-related endophenotypes in the offspring, including motor stereotypies, elevated distress and self-soothing behaviors, and a deficit in verbalizations [31]. Offspring of immune activated dams exhibit features of both schizophrenia and autism, including decreased pre-pulse inhibition and social interactions, and elevated anxiety, leading to the use of MIA in animals to model both disorders [16,17].

Results

Conclusion