Two studies published this month in the Journal of Neuroinflammation found that children with autism have altered regulatory T cells, immune components that act as "brakes" on inflammation, compared to typically developing children. In an animal model, Treg therapy reduced neuroinflammation, changed gene expression in brain regions tied to autism, and improved social and behavioral outcomes. The research comes from the UC Davis MIND Institute and was led by Professor Paul Ashwood. It's one of the first studies to test whether increasing regulatory T cells (Tregs) can address both immune dysfunction and behavioral challenges in autism. What the Studies Found. The first study characterized Tregs in 36 children with autism and 18 typically developing children. Researchers found that autistic children had altered Tregs both in number and in the genes those cells express. Children with fewer Tregs showed more challenging behaviors. The study also identified distinct Treg patterns in autistic children with gastrointestinal problems compared to those without GI symptoms. In the second study, researchers used a maternal immune activation (MIA) mouse model, in which offspring exhibit autism-like behaviors. They transferred Tregs from healthy mice into MIA offspring and examined tissues commonly affected in autism: blood, brain, and gut. Male mice showed the most significant improvements after Treg treatment. Changes included increased helpful Treg cells, reduced pro-inflammatory cells in the spleen and gut, fewer inflammatory cytokines, and altered gene expression in the cerebellum, frontal cortex, and hippocampus. Males also showed behavioral improvements in self-grooming and socializing. "These results suggest that...

UC Davis study finds altered regulatory T cells in autistic children; Treg therapy reduced neuroinflammation in mice.

New Research Links Immune System 'Brakes' to Autism Behaviors and Points to Possible Treatment

Two studies published this month in the Journal of Neuroinflammation found that children with autism have altered regulatory T cells, immune components that act as "brakes" on inflammation, compared to typically developing children. In an animal model, Treg therapy reduced neuroinflammation, changed gene expression in brain regions tied to autism, and improved social and behavioral outcomes. The research comes from the UC Davis MIND Institute and was led by Professor Paul Ashwood. It's one of the first studies to test whether increasing regulatory T cells (Tregs) can address both immune dysfunction and behavioral challenges in autism. What the Studies Found. The first study characterized Tregs in 36 children with autism and 18 typically developing children. Researchers found that autistic children had altered Tregs both in number and in the genes those cells express. Children with fewer Tregs showed more challenging behaviors. The study also identified distinct Treg patterns in autistic children with gastrointestinal problems compared to those without GI symptoms. In the second study, researchers used a maternal immune activation (MIA) mouse model, in which offspring exhibit autism-like behaviors. They transferred Tregs from healthy mice into MIA offspring and examined tissues commonly affected in autism: blood, brain, and gut. Male mice showed the most significant improvements after Treg treatment. Changes included increased helpful Treg cells, reduced pro-inflammatory cells in the spleen and gut, fewer inflammatory cytokines, and altered gene expression in the cerebellum, frontal cortex, and hippocampus. Males also showed behavioral improvements in self-grooming and socializing. "These results suggest that...

UC Davis study finds altered regulatory T cells in autistic children; Treg therapy reduced neuroinflammation in mice.

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Special Needs
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New Research Links Immune System 'Brakes' to Autism Behaviors and Points to Possible Treatment

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Special Needs Articles

New Research Links Immune System 'Brakes' to Autism Behaviors and Points to Possible Treatment

Find Providers Near You

Special Needs
Articles