Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition that affects social communication and behavior. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 1 in 54 children in the US has been diagnosed with ASD.

Although the causes of ASD are not completely understood, research suggests that both genetic and environmental factors play a role.

What is the Immune System?

The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to protect the body from infections and disease. The immune system also plays a role in regulating inflammation and repairing damage to tissues and organs.

How the Immune System Functions

When the immune system is activated, immune cells release proteins called cytokines that signal other immune cells to help fight off infections or diseased cells.

Inflammation is a normal response of the immune system to infection or injury, but when inflammation is chronic, it can lead to tissue damage and disease.

Parental Immune System Dysfunction and Autism Risk

Recent research has suggested that the immune system may play a role in the development of ASD. Studies have found that maternal immune activation during pregnancy may increase the risk of ASD in offspring.

Maternal immune activation can be caused by infections, autoimmune disorders, or exposure to environmental toxins.

In addition to maternal immune activation, parental immune system dysfunction may also increase the risk of ASD.

Several studies have found that fathers and mothers of children with ASD have alterations in immune system function compared to parents of neurotypical children.

Fathers and ASD Risk

A study published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry found that fathers of children with ASD had increased levels of cytokines in their blood compared to fathers of neurotypical children.

Cytokines are proteins that are released by immune cells and play a role in inflammation and immune system response.

Another study published in the journal Autism Research found that fathers of children with ASD had higher levels of autoantibodies compared to fathers of neurotypical children.

Autoantibodies are antibodies that mistakenly target the body’s own tissues and organs. The presence of autoantibodies suggests an overactive immune system.

Mothers and ASD Risk

A study published in the Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders found that mothers of children with ASD had altered immune system function compared to mothers of neurotypical children.

The study found that mothers of children with ASD had higher levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and lower levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines compared to mothers of neurotypical children.

Another study published in the journal Molecular Psychiatry found that a subtype of maternal immune activation, characterized by the presence of autoantibodies targeting fetal brain proteins, was associated with an increased risk of ASD in offspring.

Implications for Understanding ASD

The connection between parental immune system dysfunction and ASD risk suggests that immune system dysregulation may contribute to the development of ASD.

Understanding the immune system’s role in ASD could lead to new treatments and interventions for individuals with ASD.

Conclusion

Parental immune system dysfunction appears to be a risk factor for ASD.

Altered cytokine levels, autoantibodies, and immune system function in fathers and mothers of children with ASD indicate that immune system dysregulation may play a role in the development of ASD. Further research is needed to fully understand the connection between the immune system and ASD and develop new treatments and interventions for ASD.