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Pedrazzi JFC, Hassib L, Ferreira FR, Hallak JC, Del-Bel E, Crippa JA. Therapeutic potential of CBD in Autism Spectrum Disorder. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF NEUROBIOLOGY 2024; 177:149-203. [PMID: 39029984 DOI: 10.1016/bs.irn.2024.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/21/2024]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and interaction, as well as restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior. Despite extensive research, effective pharmacological interventions for ASD remain limited. Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychotomimetic compound of the Cannabis sativa plant, has potential therapeutic effects on several neurological and psychiatric disorders. CBD interacts with the endocannabinoid system, a complex cell-signaling system that plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological processes, maintaining homeostasis, participating in social and behavioral processing, and neuronal development and maturation with great relevance to ASD. Furthermore, preliminary findings from clinical trials indicate that CBD may have a modulatory effect on specific ASD symptoms and comorbidities in humans. Interestingly, emerging evidence suggests that CBD may influence the gut microbiota, with implications for the bidirectional communication between the gut and the central nervous system. CBD is a safe drug with low induction of side effects. As it has a multi-target pharmacological profile, it becomes a candidate compound for treating the central symptoms and comorbidities of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- João F C Pedrazzi
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Lucas Hassib
- Department of Mental Health, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Jaime C Hallak
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elaine Del-Bel
- Department of Basic and Oral Biology, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; National Institute for Science and Technology, Translational Medicine, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil; Center for Cannabinoid Research, Mental Health Building, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, SP, Brazil
| | - José A Crippa
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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Alwetaid MY, Almanaa TN, Bakheet SA, Ansari MA, Nadeem A, Attia SM, Hussein MH, Attia MSM, Ahmad SF. Aflatoxin B 1 exposure exacerbates chemokine receptor expression in the BTBR T + Itpr3 tf/J Mouse Model, unveiling insights into autism spectrum disorder: A focus on brain and spleen. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 126:108599. [PMID: 38679149 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by significant difficulties in social interaction, communication, and repeated stereotypic behaviour. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is the most potent and well-known mycotoxin in various food sources. Despite its propensity to generate significant biochemical and structural changes in human and animal tissues, the influence of AFB1 on ASD has yet to be thoroughly studied. Mounting evidence indicates that chemokine receptors play a crucial function in the central nervous system and are implicated in developing several neuroinflammatory disorders. Chemokine receptors in individuals with ASD were elevated in the anterior cingulate gyrus astrocytes, cerebellum, and brain. METHODS The BTBR T+Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mice are inbred strains that exhibit strong and consistently observed deficits in social interactions, characterized by excessive self-grooming and limited vocalization in social contexts. We examined the impact of AFB1 on CCR3-, CCR7-, CCR9-, CXCR3-, CXCR4-, and CXCR6-expressing I-A/I-E+ cells in the spleen of the BTBR mouse model of autism. We evaluated the mRNA levels of CCR3, CCR7, CCR9, CXCR3, CXCR4, and CXCR6 chemokine receptors in the brain. RESULTS The exposure to AFB1 in BTBR mice resulted in a significant rise in the number of I-A/I-E+CCR3+, I-A/I-E+CCR7+, I-A/I-E+CCR9+, I-A/I-E+CXCR3+, I-A/I-E+CXCR4+, and I-A/I-E+CXCR6+ cells. Furthermore, exposure to AFB1 increased mRNA expression levels of CCR3, CCR7, CCR9, CXCR3, CXCR4, and CXCR6 in the brain. CONCLUSIONS These findings highlight that AFB1 exposure increases the expression of chemokine receptors in BTBR mice, indicating the necessity for further research into AFB1's role in the development of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Y Alwetaid
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Taghreed N Almanaa
- Department of Botany and Microbiology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh A Bakheet
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mushtaq A Ansari
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed Nadeem
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sabry M Attia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Marwa H Hussein
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed S M Attia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sheikh F Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
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Hiramoto K, Kubo S, Tsuji K, Sugiyama D, Hamano H. Decreased Memory and Learning Ability Mediated by Bmal1/M1 Macrophages/Angptl2/Inflammatory Cytokine Pathway in Mice Exposed to Long-Term Blue Light Irradiation. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2024; 46:4924-4934. [PMID: 38785563 PMCID: PMC11120424 DOI: 10.3390/cimb46050295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Humans are persistently exposed to massive amounts of blue light via sunlight, computers, smartphones, and similar devices. Although the positive and negative effects of blue light on living organisms have been reported, its impact on learning and memory remains unknown. Herein, we examined the effects of widespread blue light exposure on the learning and memory abilities of blue light-exposed mice. Ten-week-old male ICR mice were divided into five groups (five mice/group) and irradiated with blue light from a light-emitting diode daily for 6 months. After 6 months of blue light irradiation, mice exhibited a decline in memory and learning abilities, assessed using the Morris water maze and step-through passive avoidance paradigms. Blue light-irradiated mice exhibited a decreased expression of the clock gene brain and muscle arnt-like 1 (Bmal1). The number of microglia and levels of M1 macrophage CC-chemokine receptor 7 and inducible nitric oxide synthase were increased, accompanied by a decrease in M2 macrophage arginase-1 levels. Levels of angiopoietin-like protein 2 and inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-1β were elevated. Our findings suggest that long-term blue light exposure could reduce Bmal1 expression, activate the M1 macrophage/Angptl2/inflammatory cytokine pathway, induce neurodegeneration, and lead to a decline in memory.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keiichi Hiramoto
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Suzuka 513-8670, Mie, Japan
| | - Sayaka Kubo
- Research Department, Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku 140-8170, Tokyo, Japan; (S.K.); (K.T.); (D.S.); (H.H.)
| | - Keiko Tsuji
- Research Department, Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku 140-8170, Tokyo, Japan; (S.K.); (K.T.); (D.S.); (H.H.)
| | - Daijiro Sugiyama
- Research Department, Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku 140-8170, Tokyo, Japan; (S.K.); (K.T.); (D.S.); (H.H.)
| | - Hideo Hamano
- Research Department, Daiichi Sankyo Healthcare Co., Ltd., Chuo-ku 140-8170, Tokyo, Japan; (S.K.); (K.T.); (D.S.); (H.H.)
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Saleki K, Alijanizadeh P, Javanmehr N, Rezaei N. The role of Toll-like receptors in neuropsychiatric disorders: Immunopathology, treatment, and management. Med Res Rev 2024; 44:1267-1325. [PMID: 38226452 DOI: 10.1002/med.22012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
Neuropsychiatric disorders denote a broad range of illnesses involving neurology and psychiatry. These disorders include depressive disorders, anxiety, schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, autism spectrum disorders, headaches, and epilepsy. In addition to their main neuropathology that lies in the central nervous system (CNS), lately, studies have highlighted the role of immunity and neuroinflammation in neuropsychiatric disorders. Toll-like receptors (TLRs) are innate receptors that act as a bridge between the innate and adaptive immune systems via adaptor proteins (e.g., MYD88) and downstream elements; TLRs are classified into 13 families that are involved in normal function and illnesses of the CNS. TLRs expression affects the course of neuropsychiatric disorders, and is influenced during their pharmacotherapy; For example, the expression of multiple TLRs is normalized during the major depressive disorder pharmacotherapy. Here, the role of TLRs in neuroimmunology, treatment, and management of neuropsychiatric disorders is discussed. We recommend longitudinal studies to comparatively assess the cell-type-specific expression of TLRs during treatment, illness progression, and remission. Also, further research should explore molecular insights into TLRs regulation and related pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiarash Saleki
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
- USERN Office, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
- Department of e-Learning, Virtual School of Medical Education and Management, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences (SBMU), Tehran, Iran
| | - Parsa Alijanizadeh
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
- USERN Office, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Nima Javanmehr
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
- USERN Office, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
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Amnuaylojaroen T, Parasin N, Saokaew S. Exploring the association between early-life air pollution exposure and autism spectrum disorders in children: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Reprod Toxicol 2024; 125:108582. [PMID: 38556115 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2024.108582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
The objective of this meta-analysis is to investigate the association between air pollution and the vulnerability of children to autism spectrum disorders (ASD). A thorough examination and analysis of data obtained from a compilation of 14 studies was undertaken, with a particular emphasis on investigating the effects of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), oxide of nitrogen (NOx), ozone (O3), and particulate matter (PM10 and PM2.5) on individuals diagnosed with ASD. The findings demonstrate a moderate association between exposure to nitrogen dioxide (NO2) and ASD, as indicated by a combined odds ratio (OR) of 1.13 and a 95% confidence interval (CI) spanning from 0.77 to 1.549. O3 shows a combined odds ratio (OR) of 0.82, along with a 95% confidence interval (CI) ranging from 0.49 to 1.14. NOx shows a moderate level of heterogeneity (I² = 75.9%, p = 0.002), suggesting that the impact of NOx on the risk of ASD. There is a statistically significant relationship between exposure to O3 and ASD, although the strength of this relationship is diminished. The findings demonstrated a noteworthy correlation between exposure to PM10 and PM2.5 and the occurrence of ASD. The study found a significant correlation, in relation to PM2.5, with a combined odds ratio (OR) of 1.22 and a 95% confidence interval (CI) ranging from 1.11 to 1.34. The findings have significant implications for the formulation of programs aimed at reducing exposure to harmful chemicals, especially among vulnerable groups such as children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teerachai Amnuaylojaroen
- School of Energy and Environment, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand; Atmospheric Pollution and Climate Change Research Units, School of Energy and Environment, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand.
| | - Nichapa Parasin
- School of Allied Health Science, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand
| | - Surasak Saokaew
- Division of Social and Administrative Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Care, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand; Unit of Excellence on Clinical Outcomes Research and Integration (UNICORN), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand; Center of Health Outcomes Research and Therapeutic Safety (Cohorts), School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Phayao, Phayao 56000, Thailand
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Hughes HK, Moreno RJ, Ashwood P. Innate Immune Dysfunction and Neuroinflammation in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). FOCUS (AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC PUBLISHING) 2024; 22:229-241. [PMID: 38680981 PMCID: PMC11046725 DOI: 10.1176/appi.focus.24022004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by communication and social behavior deficits. The presence of restricted and repetitive behaviors often accompanies these deficits, and these characteristics can range from mild to severe. The past several decades have seen a significant rise in the prevalence of ASD. The etiology of ASD remains unknown; however, genetic and environmental risk factors play a role. Multiple hypotheses converge to suggest that neuroinflammation, or at least the interaction between immune and neural systems, may be involved in the etiology of some ASD cases or groups. Repeated evidence of innate immune dysfunction has been seen in ASD, often associated with worsening behaviors. This evidence includes data from circulating myeloid cells and brain resident macrophages/microglia in both human and animal models. This comprehensive review presents recent findings of innate immune dysfunction in ASD, including aberrant innate cellular function, evidence of neuroinflammation, and microglia activation. Appeared originally in Brain Behav Immun 2023; 108:245-254.
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Affiliation(s)
- H K Hughes
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis, CA, USA (all authors);The M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California at Davis, CA, USA (all authors)
| | - R J Moreno
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis, CA, USA (all authors);The M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California at Davis, CA, USA (all authors)
| | - P Ashwood
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis, CA, USA (all authors);The M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California at Davis, CA, USA (all authors)
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Borreca A, Mantovani C, Desiato G, Corradini I, Filipello F, Elia CA, D'Autilia F, Santamaria G, Garlanda C, Morini R, Pozzi D, Matteoli M. Loss of interleukin 1 signaling causes impairment of microglia- mediated synapse elimination and autistic-like behaviour in mice. Brain Behav Immun 2024; 117:493-509. [PMID: 38307446 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2024.01.221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 02/04/2024] Open
Abstract
In the last years, the hypothesis that elevated levels of proinflammatory cytokines contribute to the pathogenesis of neurodevelopmental diseases has gained popularity. IL-1 is one of the main cytokines found to be elevated in Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), a complex neurodevelopmental condition characterized by defects in social communication and cognitive impairments. In this study, we demonstrate that mice lacking IL-1 signaling display autistic-like defects associated with an excessive number of synapses. We also show that microglia lacking IL-1 signaling at early neurodevelopmental stages are unable to properly perform the process of synapse engulfment and display excessive activation of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling. Notably, even the acute inhibition of IL-1R1 by IL-1Ra is sufficient to enhance mTOR signaling and reduce synaptosome phagocytosis in WT microglia. Finally, we demonstrate that rapamycin treatment rescues the defects in IL-1R deficient mice. These data unveil an exclusive role of microglial IL-1 in synapse refinement via mTOR signaling and indicate a novel mechanism possibly involved in neurodevelopmental disorders associated with defects in the IL-1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Borreca
- Institute of Neuroscience (IN-CNR), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Milan, Italy; IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Cristina Mantovani
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - Genni Desiato
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Irene Corradini
- Institute of Neuroscience (IN-CNR), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Milan, Italy; IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Fabia Filipello
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Adriana Elia
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesca D'Autilia
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Santamaria
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Cecilia Garlanda
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
| | - Raffaella Morini
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Davide Pozzi
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Via Rita Levi Montalcini 4, 20072 Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy.
| | - Michela Matteoli
- Institute of Neuroscience (IN-CNR), Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Milan, Italy; IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Via Manzoni 56, 20089 Rozzano, Milan, Italy.
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Xu X, Han Y, Zhang B, Ren Q, Ma J, Liu S. Understanding immune microenvironment alterations in the brain to improve the diagnosis and treatment of diverse brain diseases. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:132. [PMID: 38368403 PMCID: PMC10874090 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01509-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Abnormal inflammatory states in the brain are associated with a variety of brain diseases. The dynamic changes in the number and function of immune cells in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are advantageous for the early prediction and diagnosis of immune diseases affecting the brain. The aggregated factors and cells in inflamed CSF may represent candidate targets for therapy. The physiological barriers in the brain, such as the blood‒brain barrier (BBB), establish a stable environment for the distribution of resident immune cells. However, the underlying mechanism by which peripheral immune cells migrate into the brain and their role in maintaining immune homeostasis in CSF are still unclear. To advance our understanding of the causal link between brain diseases and immune cell status, we investigated the characteristics of immune cell changes in CSF and the molecular mechanisms involved in common brain diseases. Furthermore, we summarized the diagnostic and treatment methods for brain diseases in which immune cells and related cytokines in CSF are used as targets. Further investigations of the new immune cell subtypes and their contributions to the development of brain diseases are needed to improve diagnostic specificity and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaotong Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, People's Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China
| | - Yi Han
- Guang'an Men Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100053, People's Republic of China.
| | - Binlong Zhang
- Guang'an Men Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100053, People's Republic of China
| | - Quanzhong Ren
- JST Sarcopenia Research Centre, National Center for Orthopaedics, Beijing Research Institute of Traumatology and Orthopaedics, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, 100035, People's Republic of China
| | - Juan Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, People's Republic of China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China.
| | - Sijin Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100085, People's Republic of China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, People's Republic of China
- Medical Science and Technology Innovation Center, Shandong First Medical University & Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, Shandong, 250117, People's Republic of China
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Nour-Eldine W, Manaph NPA, Ltaief SM, Abdel Aati N, Mansoori MH, Al Abdulla S, Al-Shammari AR. Discovery of a novel cytokine signature for the diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder in young Arab children in Qatar. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1333534. [PMID: 38414501 PMCID: PMC10896998 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1333534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impaired social interaction and communication and the occurrence of stereotyped and repetitive behaviors. Several studies have reported altered cytokine profiles in ASD and hence may serve as potential diagnostic biomarkers of the disorder. This study aims to identify diagnostic biomarkers for ASD in a well-defined study cohort in Qatar. Methods We measured the protein levels of 45 cytokines in the plasma samples of age- and gender-matched children (2-4 years) with ASD (n = 100) and controls (n = 60) using a Luminex multiplex assay. We compared the differences in the levels of these cytokines between the two study groups and then fitted the significantly altered cytokines into a logistic regression model to examine their diagnostic potential for ASD. Results We found elevated levels of IFN-γ, FGF-2, IL-1RA, and IL-13 and reduced levels of eotaxin, HGF, IL-1 alpha, IL-22, IL-9, MCP-1, SCF, SDF-1 alpha, VEGFA, and IP-10 in the plasma of children with ASD compared to controls. Furthermore, we observed that elevated levels of IFN-γ (odds ratio (OR) = 1.823; 95% (confidence interval) CI = 1.206, 2.755; p = 0.004) and FGF-2 (OR = 2.528; 95% CI = 1.457, 4.385; p < 0.001) were significantly associated with increased odds of ASD, whereas reduced levels of eotaxin (OR = 0.350; 95% CI = 0.160, 0.765; p = 0.008) and HGF (OR = 0.220; 95% CI = 0.070, 0.696; p = 0.010) were significantly associated with lower odds of ASD relative to controls. The combination of these four cytokines revealed an area under the curve (ROC-AUC) of 0.829 (95% CI = 0.767, 0.891; p < 0.001), which demonstrates the diagnostic accuracy of the four-cytokine signature. Conclusions Our results identified a panel of cytokines that could discriminate between children with ASD and controls in Qatar. In addition, our findings support the predominance of a Th1 immune phenotype in ASD children and emphasize the need to validate these results in larger populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wared Nour-Eldine
- Neurological Disorders Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Samia M Ltaief
- Neurological Disorders Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Nazim Abdel Aati
- Child Development Center, Rumailah Hospital, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | | | - Samya Al Abdulla
- Department of Operations, Primary Health Care Corporation, Doha, Qatar
| | - Abeer R Al-Shammari
- Neurological Disorders Research Center, Qatar Biomedical Research Institute, Hamad Bin Khalifa University, Qatar Foundation, Doha, Qatar
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Akintunde ME, Lin YP, Krakowiak P, Pessah IN, Hertz-Picciotto I, Puschner B, Ashwood P, Van de Water J. Ex vivo exposure to polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) selectively affects the immune response in autistic children. Brain Behav Immun Health 2023; 34:100697. [PMID: 38020477 PMCID: PMC10654005 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2023.100697] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Children on the autism spectrum have been shown to have immune dysregulation that often correlates with behavioral deficits. The role of the post-natal environment in this dysregulation is an area of active investigation. We examined the association between plasma levels of polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) and immune cell function in age-matched autistic children and non-autistic controls. Plasma from children on the autism spectrum (n = 38) and typically developing controls (TD; n = 60) were analyzed for 14 major PBDE congeners. Cytokine/chemokine production was measured in peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) supernatants with and without ex vivo BDE-49 exposure. Total plasma concentration (∑PBDE14) and individual congener levels were also correlated with T cell function. ∑PBDE14 did not differ between diagnostic groups but correlated with reduced immune function in children on the autism spectrum. In autistic children, IL-2 and IFN-γ production was reduced in association with several individual BDE congeners, especially BDE-49 (p = 0.001). Furthermore, when PBMCs were exposed ex vivo to BDE-49, cells from autistic children produced elevated levels of IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, MIP-1α and MCP-1 (p < 0.05). Therefore, despite similar plasma levels of PBDE, these data suggest that PBMC function was differentially impacted in the context of several PBDE congeners in autistic children relative to TD children where increased body burden of PBDE significantly correlated with a suppressed immune response in autistic children but not TD controls. Further, acute ex vivo exposure of PBMCs to BDE-49 stimulates an elevated cytokine response in AU cases versus a depressed response in TD controls. These data suggest that exposure to the toxicant BDE-49 differentially impacts immune cell function in autistic children relative to TD children providing evidence for an underlying association between susceptibility to PBDE exposure and immune anomalies in children on the autism spectrum.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marjannie Eloi Akintunde
- School of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, United States
- NIEHS Center for Children's Environmental Health, University of California, Davis, United States
| | - Yan-ping Lin
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, United States
- The MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, United States
- NIEHS Center for Children's Environmental Health, University of California, Davis, United States
| | - Paula Krakowiak
- The MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, United States
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, United States
| | - Isaac N. Pessah
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, United States
- The MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, United States
- NIEHS Center for Children's Environmental Health, University of California, Davis, United States
| | - Irva Hertz-Picciotto
- The MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, United States
- School of Public Health Sciences, University of California, Davis, United States
| | - Birgit Puschner
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, United States
- NIEHS Center for Children's Environmental Health, University of California, Davis, United States
| | - Paul Ashwood
- The MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, United States
- NIEHS Center for Children's Environmental Health, University of California, Davis, United States
- School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of California, Davis, United States
| | - Judy Van de Water
- School of Medicine, Division of Rheumatology, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, University of California, Davis, United States
- The MIND Institute, University of California, Davis, United States
- NIEHS Center for Children's Environmental Health, University of California, Davis, United States
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11
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Bai Y, Min R, Chen P, Mei S, Deng F, Zheng Z, Jiang C, Miao R, Wu Z, Zhang P, Pan Y, Lieberman J, Liu X. Disulfiram blocks inflammatory TLR4 signaling by targeting MD-2. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2306399120. [PMID: 37487070 PMCID: PMC10401014 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2306399120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) sensing of lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the most potent pathogen-associated molecular pattern of gram-negative bacteria, activates NF-κB and Irf3, which induces inflammatory cytokines and interferons that trigger an intense inflammatory response, which is critical for host defense but can also cause serious inflammatory pathology, including sepsis. Although TLR4 inhibition is an attractive therapeutic approach for suppressing overexuberant inflammatory signaling, previously identified TLR4 antagonists have not shown any clinical benefit. Here, we identify disulfiram (DSF), an FDA-approved drug for alcoholism, as a specific inhibitor of TLR4-mediated inflammatory signaling. TLR4 cell surface expression, LPS sensing, dimerization and signaling depend on TLR4 binding to MD-2. DSF and other cysteine-reactive drugs, previously shown to block LPS-triggered inflammatory cell death (pyroptosis), inhibit TLR4 signaling by covalently modifying Cys133 of MD-2, a key conserved residue that mediates TLR4 sensing and signaling. DSF blocks LPS-triggered inflammatory cytokine, chemokine, and interferon production by macrophages in vitro. In the aggressive N-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine mouse model of Parkinson's disease (PD) in which TLR4 plays an important role, DSF markedly suppresses neuroinflammation and dopaminergic neuron loss, and restores motor function. Our findings identify a role for DSF in curbing TLR4-mediated inflammation and suggest that DSF and other drugs that target MD-2 might be useful for treating PD and other diseases in which inflammation contributes importantly to pathogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Bai
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai200031, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Rui Min
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai200031, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Pengcheng Chen
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai200031, China
| | - Shenglin Mei
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115
| | - Fan Deng
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai200031, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Zengzhang Zheng
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai200031, China
- Shanghai Huashen Institute of Microbes and Infections, Shanghai200052, China
| | - Cong Jiang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai200433, China
| | - Rui Miao
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA02115
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115
| | - Zeyu Wu
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai200031, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing100049, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai200433, China
| | - Youdong Pan
- Department of Dermatology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA02115
- Harvard Skin Disease Research Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115
| | - Judy Lieberman
- Program in Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA02115
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA02115
| | - Xing Liu
- The Center for Microbes, Development and Health, Key Laboratory of Molecular Virology and Immunology, Institut Pasteur of Shanghai, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai200031, China
- Shanghai Huashen Institute of Microbes and Infections, Shanghai200052, China
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12
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Cleary S, Teskey G, Mathews C, Sachachar RJ, Nicolson R, Weksberg R, Anagnostou E, Bowdish DME, Foster JA. Assessment of a multisite standardized biospecimen collection protocol for immune phenotyping in neurodevelopmental disorders. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6971. [PMID: 37117247 PMCID: PMC10147654 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-33380-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Multisite collection and preservation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) for centralized analysis is an indispensable strategy for large cohort immune phenotyping studies. However, the absence of cross-site standardized protocols introduces unnecessary sample variance. Here we describe the protocol implemented by the Province of Ontario Neurodevelopmental Disorders (POND) Network's immune platform for the multisite collection, processing, and cryopreservation of PBMCs. We outline quality control standards and evaluate the performance of our PBMC processing and storage protocol. We also describe the Child Immune History Questionnaire results, an assessment tool evaluating pre-existing immune conditions in children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Cell viability was assessed in samples from 178 participants based on strict quality control criteria. Overall, 83.1% of samples passed quality control standards. Samples collected and processed at the same site had higher quality control pass rates than samples that were collected and subsequently shipped to another site for processing. We investigated if freezer time impacted sample viability and found no difference in mean freezer time between samples that passed and failed quality control. The Child Immune History Questionnaire had a response rate of 87.1%. The described protocol produces viable samples that may be used in future immune phenotyping experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shane Cleary
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- The Research Institute at St. Joe's, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Grace Teskey
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Craig Mathews
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- The Research Institute at St. Joe's, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Russell J Sachachar
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Robert Nicolson
- Lawson Health Research Institute and Western University, London, ON, Canada
| | - Rosanna Weksberg
- Division of Clinical and Metabolic Genetics and Genetics and Genome Biology Program, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Departments of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Institiute of Medical Sciences, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Evdokia Anagnostou
- Departments of Pediatrics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
- Bloorview Research Institute, Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Dawn M E Bowdish
- Department of Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- McMaster Immunology Research Centre, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Jane A Foster
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
- The Research Institute at St. Joe's, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
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13
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Bäckström F, Ahl M, Wickham J, Ekdahl CT. Reduced epilepsy development in synapsin 2 knockout mice with autistic behavior following early systemic treatment with interleukin-6 receptor antibody. Epilepsy Res 2023; 191:107114. [PMID: 36870094 DOI: 10.1016/j.eplepsyres.2023.107114] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have an increased risk of developing epilepsy. Both ASD and epilepsy have been associated with increased levels of immune factors in the blood, including the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin 6 (IL-6). Mice lacking the synapsin 2 gene (Syn2 KO) exhibit ASD-like behavior and develop epileptic seizures. Their brains display neuroinflammatory changes including elevated IL-6 levels. We aimed to investigate the effect of systemic IL-6 receptor antibody (IL-6R ab) treatment on seizure development and frequency in Syn2 KO mice. MATERIAL AND METHODS Weekly systemic (i.p.) injections of IL-6R ab or saline were given to Syn2 KO mice starting either early in life at 1 month of age, before seizure debut or at 3 months of age, directly after seizure debut and continued for 4 or 2 months, respectively. Seizures were provoked by handling the mice three times per week. The neuroinflammatory response and synaptic protein levels in the brain were determined by ELISA, immunohistochemistry and western blots. In an additional group of Syn2 KO mice, with IL-6R ab treatment early in life, ASD-related behavioral tests including social interaction and repetitive self-grooming, as well as cognitive memory and depressive-/anxiety-like tests, and actigraphy measurements of circadian sleep-awake rhythm were analyzed. RESULTS The IL-6R ab treatment reduced seizure development and frequency in Syn2 KO mice when initiated before, but not after, seizure debut. However, early treatment did not reverse the neuroinflammatory response or the imbalance in synaptic protein levels in the brain previously reported in Syn2 KO mice. The treatment did not affect social interaction, performance in memory, depressive-/anxiety-like tests or the sleep-awake rhythm of Syn2 KO mice. CONCLUSION These findings suggest the involvement of IL-6 receptor signaling during epilepsy development in Syn2 KO mice, without significant alterations of the immune reaction in the brain, and independently of cognitive performance, mood and circadian sleep-awake rhythm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Filip Bäckström
- Inflammation and Stem Cell Therapy Group, Division of Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Lund Epilepsy Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Translational Neurogenetics Unit, Department of Experimental Medical Science, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Matilda Ahl
- Inflammation and Stem Cell Therapy Group, Division of Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Lund Epilepsy Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Jenny Wickham
- Inflammation and Stem Cell Therapy Group, Division of Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Lund Epilepsy Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Christine T Ekdahl
- Inflammation and Stem Cell Therapy Group, Division of Clinical Neurophysiology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden; Lund Epilepsy Center, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.
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14
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Influence of Immune System Abnormalities Caused by Maternal Immune Activation in the Postnatal Period. Cells 2023; 12:cells12050741. [PMID: 36899877 PMCID: PMC10001371 DOI: 10.3390/cells12050741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The developmental origins of health and disease (DOHaD) indicate that fetal tissues and organs in critical and sensitive periods of development are susceptible to structural and functional changes due to the adverse environment in utero. Maternal immune activation (MIA) is one of the phenomena in DOHaD. Exposure to maternal immune activation is a risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders, psychosis, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases, and human immune disorders. It has been associated with increased levels of proinflammatory cytokines transferred from mother to fetus in the prenatal period. Abnormal immunity induced by MIA includes immune overreaction or immune response failure in offspring. Immune overreaction is a hypersensitivity response of the immune system to pathogens or allergic factor. Immune response failure could not properly fight off various pathogens. The clinical features in offspring depend on the gestation period, inflammatory magnitude, inflammatory type of MIA in the prenatal period, and exposure to prenatal inflammatory stimulation, which might induce epigenetic modifications in the immune system. An analysis of epigenetic modifications caused by adverse intrauterine environments might allow clinicians to predict the onset of diseases and disorders before or after birth.
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15
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Innate immune dysfunction and neuroinflammation in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Brain Behav Immun 2023; 108:245-254. [PMID: 36494048 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.12.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a highly heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by communication and social behavior deficits. The presence of restricted and repetitive behaviors often accompanies these deficits, and these characteristics can range from mild to severe. The past several decades have seen a significant rise in the prevalence of ASD. The etiology of ASD remains unknown; however, genetic and environmental risk factors play a role. Multiple hypotheses converge to suggest that neuroinflammation, or at least the interaction between immune and neural systems, may be involved in the etiology of some ASD cases or groups. Repeated evidence of innate immune dysfunction has been seen in ASD, often associated with worsening behaviors. This evidence includes data from circulating myeloid cells and brain resident macrophages/microglia in both human and animal models. This comprehensive review presents recent findings of innate immune dysfunction in ASD, including aberrant innate cellular function, evidence of neuroinflammation, and microglia activation.
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16
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Nabi SU, Rehman MU, Arafah A, Taifa S, Khan IS, Khan A, Rashid S, Jan F, Wani HA, Ahmad SF. Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders by Mitochondrial-targeted Drug: Future of Neurological Diseases Therapeutics. Curr Neuropharmacol 2023; 21:1042-1064. [PMID: 36411568 PMCID: PMC10286588 DOI: 10.2174/1570159x21666221121095618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 10/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a complex etiology that might involve environmental and genetic variables. Recently, some epidemiological studies conducted in various parts of the world have estimated a significant increase in the prevalence of autism, with 1 in every 59 children having some degree of autism. Since autism has been associated with other clinical abnormalities, there is every possibility that a sub-cellular component may be involved in the progression of autism. The organelle remains a focus based on mitochondria's functionality and metabolic role in cells. Furthermore, the mitochondrial genome is inherited maternally and has its DNA and organelle that remain actively involved during embryonic development; these characteristics have linked mitochondrial dysfunction to autism. Although rapid stride has been made in autism research, there are limited studies that have made particular emphasis on mitochondrial dysfunction and autism. Accumulating evidence from studies conducted at cellular and sub-cellular levels has indicated that mitochondrial dysfunction's role in autism is more than expected. The present review has attempted to describe the risk factors of autism, the role of mitochondria in the progression of the disease, oxidative damage as a trigger point to initiate mitochondrial damage, genetic determinants of the disease, possible pathogenic pathways and therapeutic regimen in vogue and the developmental stage. Furthermore, in the present review, an attempt has been made to include the novel therapeutic regimens under investigation at different clinical trial stages and their potential possibility to emerge as promising drugs against ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Showkat Ul Nabi
- Large Animal Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ethics & Jurisprudence, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-K), Srinagar J&K, 190006, India
| | - Muneeb U. Rehman
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Azher Arafah
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Syed Taifa
- Large Animal Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ethics & Jurisprudence, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-K), Srinagar J&K, 190006, India
| | - Iqra Shafi Khan
- Large Animal Diagnostic Laboratory, Department of Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Ethics & Jurisprudence, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences and Animal Husbandry, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST-K), Srinagar J&K, 190006, India
| | - Andleeb Khan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Jazan University, Jazan, 45142, Saudi Arabia
| | - Summya Rashid
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box 173, Al-Kharj, 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Fatimah Jan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, CT University, Ludhiana, Ferozepur Road, Punjab, 142024, India
| | - Hilal Ahmad Wani
- Department of Biochemistry, Government Degree College Sumbal, Bandipora, J&K, India
| | - Sheikh Fayaz Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, 11451, Saudi Arabia
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17
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Sun JJ, Chen B, Yu T. Construction of an immune-related ceRNA network to screen for potential diagnostic markers for autism spectrum disorder. Front Genet 2022; 13:1025813. [PMID: 36468003 PMCID: PMC9713698 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1025813] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose: The diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is reliant on evaluation of patients' behavior. We screened the potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets of ASD through bioinformatics analysis. Methods: Four ASD-related datasets were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. The "limma" package was employed to analyze differentially expressed messenger (m)RNAs, long non-coding (lnc)RNAs, and micro (mi)RNAs between ASD patients and healthy volunteers (HVs). We constructed a competing endogenous-RNA (ceRNA) network. Enrichment analyses of key genes were undertaken using the Gene Ontology database and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database. The ImmucellAI database was used to analyze differences in immune-cell infiltration (ICI) in ASD and HV samples. Synthetic analyses of the ceRNA network and ICI was done to obtain a diagnostic model using LASSO regression analysis. Analyses of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were done for model verification. Results: The ceRNA network comprised 49 lncRNAs, 30 miRNAs, and 236 mRNAs. mRNAs were associated with 41 cellular components, 208 biological processes, 39 molecular functions, and 35 regulatory signaling pathways. Significant differences in the abundance of 10 immune-cell species between ASD patients and HVs were noted. Using the ceRNA network and ICI results, we constructed a diagnostic model comprising five immune cell-associated genes: adenosine triphosphate-binding cassette transporter A1 (ABCA1), DiGeorge syndrome critical region 2 (DGCR2), glucose-fructose oxidoreductase structural domain gene 1 (GFOD1), glutaredoxin (GLRX), and SEC16 homolog A (SEC16A). The diagnostic performance of our model was revealed by an area under the ROC curve of 0.923. Model verification was done using the validation dataset and serum samples of patients. Conclusion: ABCA1, DGCR2, GFOD1, GLRX, and SEC16A could be diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Jing Sun
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Bo Chen
- Disabled Service Center of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
| | - Tao Yu
- Department of Pediatrics, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning, China
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18
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Nour-Eldine W, Ltaief SM, Abdul Manaph NP, Al-Shammari AR. In search of immune cellular sources of abnormal cytokines in the blood in autism spectrum disorder: A systematic review of case-control studies. Front Immunol 2022; 13:950275. [PMID: 36268027 PMCID: PMC9578337 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.950275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal cytokine levels in circulating blood have been repeatedly reported in autism; however, the underlying cause remains unclear. This systematic review aimed to investigate cytokine levels in peripheral blood compartments and identify their potential immune cellular sources in subjects with autism through comparison with controls. We conducted an electronic database search (PubMed, Scopus, ProQuest Central, Ovid, SAGE Journals, and Wiley Online Library) from inception (no time limits) to July 9, 2020, and identified 75 relevant articles. Our qualitative data synthesis focused on results consistently described in at least three independent studies, and we reported the results according to the PRISMA protocol. We found that compared with controls, in subjects with autism, cytokines IL-6, IL-17, TNF-α, and IL-1β increased in the plasma and serum. We also identified monocytes, neutrophils, and CD4+ T cells as potential sources of these elevated cytokines in autism. Cytokines IFN-γ, TGF-β, RANTES, and IL-8 were increased in the plasma/serum of subjects with autism, and IFN-γ was likely produced by CD4+ T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, although conflicting evidence is present for IFN-γ and TGF-β. Other cytokines—IL-13, IL-10, IL-5, and IL-4—were found to be unaltered in the plasma/serum and post-stimulated blood immune cells in autistic individuals as compared with controls. The frequencies of T cells, monocytes, B cells, and NK cells were unchanged in subjects with autism as opposed to controls, suggesting that abnormal cytokines were unlikely due to altered cell numbers but might be due to altered functioning of these cells in autism. Our results support existing studies of abnormal cytokines in autism and provide comprehensive evidence of potential cellular sources of these altered cytokines in the context of autism.
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19
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Pedrazzi JFC, Ferreira FR, Silva-Amaral D, Lima DA, Hallak JEC, Zuardi AW, Del-Bel EA, Guimarães FS, Costa KCM, Campos AC, Crippa ACS, Crippa JAS. Cannabidiol for the treatment of autism spectrum disorder: hope or hype? Psychopharmacology (Berl) 2022; 239:2713-2734. [PMID: 35904579 DOI: 10.1007/s00213-022-06196-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 07/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
RATIONALE Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is defined as a group of neurodevelopmental disorders whose symptoms include impaired communication and social interaction, restricted and repetitive patterns of behavior, and varying levels of intellectual disability. ASD is observed in early childhood and is one of the most severe chronic childhood disorders in prevalence, morbidity, and impact on society. It is usually accompanied by attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, and epilepsy. The treatment of ASD has low efficacy, possibly because it has a heterogeneous nature, and its neurobiological basis is not clearly understood. Drugs such as risperidone and aripiprazole are the only two drugs available that are recognized by the Food and Drug Administration, primarily for treating the behavioral symptoms of this disorder. These drugs have limited efficacy and a high potential for inducing undesirable effects, compromising treatment adherence. Therefore, there is great interest in exploring the endocannabinoid system, which modulates the activity of other neurotransmitters, has actions in social behavior and seems to be altered in patients with ASD. Thus, cannabidiol (CBD) emerges as a possible strategy for treating ASD symptoms since it has relevant pharmacological actions on the endocannabinoid system and shows promising results in studies related to disorders in the central nervous system. OBJECTIVES Review the preclinical and clinical data supporting CBD's potential as a treatment for the symptoms and comorbidities associated with ASD, as well as discuss and provide information with the purpose of not trivializing the use of this drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- João F C Pedrazzi
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil.
| | - Frederico R Ferreira
- Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, 21040-900, Brazil
| | - Danyelle Silva-Amaral
- Department of Physiology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Daniel A Lima
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Jaime E C Hallak
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Antônio W Zuardi
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Elaine A Del-Bel
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
- Department of Morphology, Physiology, and Basic Pathology, School of Dentistry of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Francisco S Guimarães
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Karla C M Costa
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Alline C Campos
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ana C S Crippa
- Graduate Program in Child and Adolescent Health, Neuropediatric Center of the Hospital of Clinics (CENEP), Federal University of Paraná, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - José A S Crippa
- Department of Neurosciences and Behavioral Sciences, School of Medicine of Ribeirão Preto, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, São Paulo, Brazil
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20
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Ardalan M, Chumak T, Quist A, Hermans E, Hoseinpoor Rafati A, Gravina G, Jabbari Shiadeh SM, Svedin P, Alabaf S, Hansen B, Wegener G, Westberg L, Mallard C. Reelin cells and sex-dependent synaptopathology in autism following postnatal immune activation. Br J Pharmacol 2022; 179:4400-4422. [PMID: 35474185 PMCID: PMC9545289 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorders with considerably increased risk in male infants born preterm and with neonatal infection. Here, we investigated the role of postnatal immune activation on hippocampal synaptopathology by targeting Reelin+ cells in mice with ASD-like behaviours. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH C57/Bl6 mouse pups of both sexes received lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 1 mg·kg-1 ) on postnatal day (P) 5. At P45, animal behaviour was examined by marble burying and sociability test, followed by ex vivo brain MRI diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI). Hippocampal synaptogenesis, number and morphology of Reelin+ cells, and mRNA expression of trans-synaptic genes, including neurexin-3, neuroligin-1, and cell-adhesion molecule nectin-1, were analysed at P12 and P45. KEY RESULTS Social withdrawal and increased stereotypic activities in males were related to increased mean diffusivity on MRI-DKI and overgrowth in hippocampus together with retention of long-thin immature synapses on apical dendrites, decreased volume and number of Reelin+ cells as well as reduced expression of trans-synaptic and cell-adhesion molecules. CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS The study provides new insights into sex-dependent mechanisms that may underlie ASD-like behaviour in males following postnatal immune activation. We identify GABAergic interneurons as core components of dysmaturation of excitatory synapses in the hippocampus following postnatal infection and provide cellular and molecular substrates for the MRI findings with translational value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Ardalan
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Translational Neuropsychiatry UnitAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
| | - Tetyana Chumak
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Alexandra Quist
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Eva Hermans
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
- Department of Developmental Origins of Disease, Utrecht Brain Center and Wilhelmina Children's HospitalUtrecht UniversityUtrechtNetherlands
| | - Ali Hoseinpoor Rafati
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Translational Neuropsychiatry UnitAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
| | - Giacomo Gravina
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Seyedeh Marziyeh Jabbari Shiadeh
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Translational Neuropsychiatry UnitAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
| | - Pernilla Svedin
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Setareh Alabaf
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Brian Hansen
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Center of Functionally Integrative Neuroscience‐SKSAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
| | - Gregers Wegener
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Translational Neuropsychiatry UnitAarhus UniversityAarhusDenmark
| | - Lars Westberg
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
| | - Carina Mallard
- Department of Physiology, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska AcademyUniversity of GothenburgGothenburgSweden
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21
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Tamouza R, Volt F, Richard JR, Wu CL, Bouassida J, Boukouaci W, Lansiaux P, Cappelli B, Scigliuolo GM, Rafii H, Kenzey C, Mezouad E, Naamoune S, Chami L, Lejuste F, Farge D, Gluckman E. Possible Effect of the use of Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in the Treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Review. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:809686. [PMID: 35865626 PMCID: PMC9294632 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.809686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) represents a set of heterogeneous neurodevelopmental conditions defined by impaired social interactions and repetitive behaviors. The number of reported cases has increased over the past decades, and ASD is now a major public health burden. So far, only treatments to alleviate symptoms are available, with still unmet need for an effective disease treatment to reduce ASD core symptoms. Genetic predisposition alone can only explain a small fraction of the ASD cases. It has been reported that environmental factors interacting with specific inter-individual genetic background may induce immune dysfunctions and contribute to the incidence of ASD. Such dysfunctions can be observed at the central level, with increased microglial cells and activation in ASD brains or in the peripheral blood, as reflected by high circulating levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, abnormal activation of T-cell subsets, presence of auto-antibodies and of dysregulated microbiota profiles. Altogether, the dysfunction of immune processes may result from immunogenetically-determined inefficient immune responses against a given challenge followed by chronic inflammation and autoimmunity. In this context, immunomodulatory therapies might offer a valid therapeutic option. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) immunoregulatory and immunosuppressive properties constitute a strong rationale for their use to improve ASD clinical symptoms. In vitro studies and pre-clinical models have shown that MSC can induce synapse formation and enhance synaptic function with consequent improvement of ASD-like symptoms in mice. In addition, two preliminary human trials based on the infusion of cord blood-derived MSC showed the safety and tolerability of the procedure in children with ASD and reported promising clinical improvement of core symptoms. We review herein the immune dysfunctions associated with ASD provided, the rationale for using MSC to treat patients with ASD and summarize the current available studies addressing this subject.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryad Tamouza
- Translational Neuropsychiatry, INSERM, IMRB, DMU, AP-HP, Univ Paris Est Créteil, Créteil, France
- *Correspondence: Ryad Tamouza,
| | - Fernanda Volt
- Institut de Recherche Saint Louis (IRSL), Eurocord, Hôpital Saint Louis, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Jean-Romain Richard
- Translational Neuropsychiatry, INSERM, IMRB, Univ Paris Est Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Ching-Lien Wu
- Translational Neuropsychiatry, INSERM, IMRB, Univ Paris Est Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Jihène Bouassida
- Translational Neuropsychiatry, INSERM, IMRB, Univ Paris Est Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Wahid Boukouaci
- Translational Neuropsychiatry, INSERM, IMRB, Univ Paris Est Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Pauline Lansiaux
- Unité de Médecine Interne (UF 04), CRMR MATHEC, Maladies Auto-immunes et Thérapie Cellulaire, Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares D’Ile-de-France MATHEC, AP-HP, Hôpital St-Louis, Paris, France
| | - Barbara Cappelli
- Institut de Recherche Saint Louis (IRSL), Eurocord, Hôpital Saint Louis, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Monacord, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Monaco, Monaco
| | - Graziana Maria Scigliuolo
- Institut de Recherche Saint Louis (IRSL), Eurocord, Hôpital Saint Louis, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Monacord, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Monaco, Monaco
| | - Hanadi Rafii
- Institut de Recherche Saint Louis (IRSL), Eurocord, Hôpital Saint Louis, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Chantal Kenzey
- Institut de Recherche Saint Louis (IRSL), Eurocord, Hôpital Saint Louis, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
| | - Esma Mezouad
- Translational Neuropsychiatry, INSERM, IMRB, DMU, AP-HP, Univ Paris Est Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Soumia Naamoune
- Translational Neuropsychiatry, INSERM, IMRB, DMU, AP-HP, Univ Paris Est Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Leila Chami
- Translational Neuropsychiatry, INSERM, IMRB, DMU, AP-HP, Univ Paris Est Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Florian Lejuste
- Translational Neuropsychiatry, INSERM, IMRB, DMU, AP-HP, Univ Paris Est Créteil, Créteil, France
| | - Dominique Farge
- Unité de Médecine Interne (UF 04), CRMR MATHEC, Maladies Auto-immunes et Thérapie Cellulaire, Centre de Référence des Maladies Auto-immunes Systémiques Rares D’Ile-de-France MATHEC, AP-HP, Hôpital St-Louis, Paris, France
| | - Eliane Gluckman
- Institut de Recherche Saint Louis (IRSL), Eurocord, Hôpital Saint Louis, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris (AP-HP), Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- Monacord, Centre Scientifique de Monaco, Monaco, Monaco
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22
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Immune Dysregulation in Autism Spectrum Disorder: What Do We Know about It? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23063033. [PMID: 35328471 PMCID: PMC8955336 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23063033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a group of complex multifactorial neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by a wide and variable set of neuropsychiatric symptoms, including deficits in social communication, narrow and restricted interests, and repetitive behavior. The immune hypothesis is considered to be a major factor contributing to autism pathogenesis, as well as a way to explain the differences of the clinical phenotypes and comorbidities influencing disease course and severity. Evidence highlights a link between immune dysfunction and behavioral traits in autism from several types of evidence found in both cerebrospinal fluid and peripheral blood and their utility to identify autistic subgroups with specific immunophenotypes; underlying behavioral symptoms are also shown. This review summarizes current insights into immune dysfunction in ASD, with particular reference to the impact of immunological factors related to the maternal influence of autism development; comorbidities influencing autism disease course and severity; and others factors with particular relevance, including obesity. Finally, we described main elements of similarities between immunopathology overlapping neurodevelopmental and neurodegenerative disorders, taking as examples autism and Parkinson Disease, respectively.
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23
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Increased Monocyte Production of IL-6 after Toll-like Receptor Activation in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Is Associated with Repetitive and Restricted Behaviors. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12020220. [PMID: 35203983 PMCID: PMC8870658 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12020220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 01/31/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has starkly increased, instigating research into risk factors for ASD. This research has identified immune risk factors for ASD, along with evidence of immune dysfunction and excess inflammation frequently experienced by autistic individuals. Increased innate inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-6, are seen repeatedly in ASD; however, the origin of excess IL-6 in ASD has not been identified. Here we explore specific responses of circulating monocytes from autistic children. We isolated CD14+ monocytes from whole blood and stimulated them for 24 h under three conditions: media alone, lipoteichoic acid to activate TLR2, and lipopolysaccharide to activate TLR4. We then measured secreted cytokine concentrations in cellular supernatant using a human multiplex bead immunoassay. We found that after TLR4 activation, CD14+ monocytes from autistic children produce increased IL-6 compared to monocytes from children with typical development. IL-6 concentration also correlated with worsening restrictive and repetitive behaviors. These findings suggest dysfunctional activation of myeloid cells, and may indicate that other cells of this lineage, including macrophages, and microglia in the brain, might have a similar dysfunction. Further research on myeloid cells in ASD is warranted.
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24
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Hughes HK, Rowland ME, Onore CE, Rogers S, Ciernia AV, Ashwood P. Dysregulated gene expression associated with inflammatory and translation pathways in activated monocytes from children with autism spectrum disorder. Transl Psychiatry 2022; 12:39. [PMID: 35082275 PMCID: PMC8791942 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01766-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 11/17/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex developmental disorder characterized by deficits in social interactions, communication, and stereotypical behaviors. Immune dysfunction is a common co-morbidity seen in ASD, with innate immune activation seen both in the brain and periphery. We previously identified significant differences in peripheral monocyte cytokine responses after stimulation with lipoteichoic acid (LTA) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS), which activate toll-like receptors (TLR)-2 and 4 respectively. However, an unbiased examination of monocyte gene expression in response to these stimulants had not yet been performed. To identify how TLR activation impacts gene expression in ASD monocytes, we isolated peripheral blood monocytes from 26 children diagnosed with autistic disorder (AD) or pervasive developmental disorder-not otherwise specified (PDDNOS) and 22 typically developing (TD) children and cultured them with LTA or LPS for 24 h, then performed RNA sequencing. Activation of both TLR2 and TLR4 induced expression of immune genes, with a subset that were differentially regulated in AD compared to TD samples. In response to LPS, monocytes from AD children showed a unique increase in KEGG pathways and GO terms that include key immune regulator genes. In contrast, monocytes from TD children showed a consistent decrease in expression of genes associated with translation in response to TLR stimulation. This decrease was not observed in AD or PDDNOS monocytes, suggesting a failure to properly downregulate a prolonged immune response in monocytes from children with ASD. As monocytes are involved in early orchestration of the immune response, our findings will help elucidate the mechanisms regulating immune dysfunction in ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather K Hughes
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Megan E Rowland
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Charity E Onore
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Sally Rogers
- M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Annie Vogel Ciernia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
- Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada
| | - Paul Ashwood
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, School of Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
- M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California, Davis, CA, USA.
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25
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Han VX, Jones HF, Patel S, Mohammad SS, Hofer MJ, Alshammery S, Maple-Brown E, Gold W, Brilot F, Dale RC. Emerging evidence of Toll-like receptors as a putative pathway linking maternal inflammation and neurodevelopmental disorders in human offspring: A systematic review. Brain Behav Immun 2022; 99:91-105. [PMID: 34562595 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Inflammation is increasingly recognised to play a major role in gene-environment interactions in neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). The effects of aberrant immune responses to environmental stimuli in the mother and in the child can affect neuroimmune signalling that is central to brain development. Toll-like receptors (TLR) are the best known innate immune pattern and danger recognition sensors to various environmental threats. In animal models, maternal immune activation (MIA), secondary to inflammatory factors including maternal gestational infection, obesity, diabetes, and stress activate the TLR pathway in maternal blood, placenta, and fetal brain, which correlate with offspring neurobehavioral abnormalities. Given the central role of TLR activation in animal MIA models, we systematically reviewed the human evidence for TLR activation and response to stimulation across the maternal-fetal interface. Firstly, we included 59 TLR studies performed in peripheral blood of adults in general population (outside of pregnancy) with six chronic inflammatory factors which have epidemiological evidence for increased risk of offspring NDDs, namely, obesity, diabetes mellitus, depression, low socio-economic status, autoimmune diseases, and asthma. Secondly, eight TLR studies done in human pregnancies with chronic inflammatory factors, involving maternal blood, placenta, and cord blood, were reviewed. Lastly, ten TLR studies performed in peripheral blood of individuals with NDDs were included. Despite these studies, there were no studies which examined TLR function in both the pregnant mother and their offspring. Increased TLR2 and TLR4 mRNA and/or protein levels in peripheral blood were common in obesity, diabetes mellitus, depression, autoimmune thyroid disease, and rheumatoid arthritis. To a lesser degree, TLR 3, 7, 8, and 9 activation were found in peripheral blood of humans with autoimmune diseases and depression. In pregnancy, increased TLR4 mRNA levels were found in the peripheral blood of women with diabetes mellitus and systemic lupus erythematosus. Placental TLR activation was found in mothers with obesity or diabetes. Postnatally, dysregulated TLR response to stimulation was found in peripheral blood of individuals with NDDs. This systematic review found emerging evidence that TLR activation may represent a mechanistic link between maternal inflammation and offspring NDD, however the literature is incomplete and longitudinal outcome studies are lacking. Identification of pathogenic mechanisms in MIA could create preventive and therapeutic opportunities to mitigate NDD prevalence and severity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Velda X Han
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Khoo-Teck Puat-National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Health System, Singapore; School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Hannah F Jones
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Department of Neuroservices, Starship Children's Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Shrujna Patel
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; The Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Shekeeb S Mohammad
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; The Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Markus J Hofer
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences and Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; The Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sarah Alshammery
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Molecular Neurobiology Research Laboratory, Kids Research, Children's Hospital at Westmead, and The Children's Medical Research Institute, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Emma Maple-Brown
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Molecular Neurobiology Research Laboratory, Kids Research, Children's Hospital at Westmead, and The Children's Medical Research Institute, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Wendy Gold
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; The Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Molecular Neurobiology Research Laboratory, Kids Research, Children's Hospital at Westmead, and The Children's Medical Research Institute, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Fabienne Brilot
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; School of Medical Sciences, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; The Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; Molecular Neurobiology Research Laboratory, Kids Research, Children's Hospital at Westmead, and The Children's Medical Research Institute, Westmead, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Russell C Dale
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; The Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia; The Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
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26
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Zhang H, Gu Y, He W, Kuo F, Zhang Y, Wang D, He L, Yang Y, Wang H, Chen Y. Correlation Between Sialidase NEU1 mRNA Expression Changes in Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:870374. [PMID: 35757207 PMCID: PMC9218098 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.870374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal alterations in enzymes functioned in sialic acid modifications may be associated with ASD. In order to study the differences in peripheral blood sialidase (neuraminidase 1; NEU1) mRNA expression between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) children and healthy control, and to examine the correlation between NEU1 mRNA expression and the main behavioral phenotypes in children with ASD, we performed RT-qPCR to measure NEU1 mRNA expression in peripheral blood of 42 children with ASD and 42 healthy controls. In addition, we used the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule, Second Edition (ADOS-2) to measure and evaluate the behavioral phenotypes of children with ASD. Our results showed that NEU1 mRNA in the ASD group was significantly higher than in the control group (P < 0.0001). In addition, the ADOS-2 diagnostic scores of 42 children with ASD were correlated with their NEU1 mRNA expression results (R = 0.344, P = 0.0257). Moreover, in general, NEU1 mRNA expression was also positively correlated with the Social Affect (SA) of ADOS-2 (R = 0.3598, P = 0.0193) but not with the Restricted and Repetitive Behavior (RRB) (R = 0.15, P = 0.3432). Our results indicated that sialidase NEU1 mRNA was significantly increased in children with ASD, and its expression was correlated with the SA of children with ASD, which suggested that sialidase NEU1 may affect the SA of ASD. Our data highlighted the potential of NEU1 expression change may play an important role in ASD disease and lay the foundation for further studies on the relationship between NEU1 and ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiqing Zhang
- Department of Child Healthcare, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Yuhang Gu
- Department of Pediatrics, Ankang Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Ankang, China
| | - Wenxiang He
- Department of Child Healthcare, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | | | - Yiran Zhang
- Department of Child Healthcare, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Duan Wang
- Department of Child Healthcare, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Li He
- Department of Child Healthcare, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Ying Yang
- Shaanxi Institute for Pediatric Diseases, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China
| | - Hepeng Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Yanni Chen
- Department of Child Healthcare, Xi'an Children's Hospital, Xi'an, China.,Department of Pediatrics, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
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27
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Moreno R, Ashwood P. The Issue of Monocyte Activation in ASD: Troubles with Translation. JOURNAL OF CELLULAR IMMUNOLOGY 2022; 4:167-170. [PMID: 36688057 PMCID: PMC9853954 DOI: 10.33696/immunology.4.146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) prevalence has increased year on year for the past two decades and currently affects 1 in 44 individuals in the US. An increasing number of studies have pointed to increased immune activation as both an etiological agent and also involved in the ongoing pathological process of ASD. Both adaptive and innate immune responses have been implicated. Evidence of innate dysregulation has so far included increased production of innate inflammatory cytokines, increased cell numbers, and altered activation in monocytes in the blood and microglia in the brain. Suggesting an orchestrated innate immune response may be involved in ASD. Hughes et al. (2022) recently assessed transcriptome differences that could underlie altered activation of monocytes using next-generation bulk-RNA sequencing on isolated CD14+ monocytes at baseline and after activation with different Toll-like receptor agonists. Circulating CD14+ monocyte from children with autistic disorder (AD) and children diagnosed with perverse developmental disorder not otherwise specified (PDD-NOS) were found to differ in a number of activation pathways after gene enrichment analysis compared to typically developing children. There was an overall upregulation in translational machinery in both neurodevelopmental disorder groups, whereas typically developing children were downregulated, indicating an issue with monocyte activation. Several identified differentially expressed genes in monocytes were also identified as ASD at-risk genes, according to the Simons Foundation Autism Research Initiative (SFARI), and genes involved in inflammatory bowel diseases. This work implicates altered monocyte activation with a lack of regulation as a potential mechanistic issue in ASD. Future work is warranted to evaluate how monocyte regulatory mechanisms differ in ASD individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- R.J. Moreno
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis, CA, USA,M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California at Davis, CA, USA
| | - P. Ashwood
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, UC Davis, CA, USA,M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California at Davis, CA, USA,Correspondence should be addressed to Paul Ashwood,
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28
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Erbescu A, Papuc SM, Budisteanu M, Arghir A, Neagu M. Re-emerging concepts of immune dysregulation in autism spectrum disorders. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:1006612. [PMID: 36339838 PMCID: PMC9626859 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.1006612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 09/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by communication and social interaction deficits, and by restricted interests and stereotyped, repetitive behavior patterns. ASD has a strong genetic component and a complex architecture characterized by the interplay of rare and common genetic variants. Recently, increasing evidence suggest a significant contribution of immune system dysregulation in ASD. The present paper reviews the latest updates regarding the altered immune landscape of this complex disorder highlighting areas with potential for biomarkers discovery as well as personalization of therapeutic approaches. Cross-talk between the central nervous system and immune system has long been envisaged and recent evidence brings insights into the pathways connecting the brain to the immune system. Disturbance of cytokine levels plays an important role in the establishment of a neuroinflammatory milieu in ASD. Several other immune molecules involved in antigen presentation and inflammatory cellular phenotypes are also at play in ASD. Maternal immune activation, the presence of brain-reactive antibodies and autoimmunity are other potential prenatal and postnatal contributors to ASD pathophysiology. The molecular players involved in oxidative-stress response and mitochondrial system function, are discussed as contributors to the pro-inflammatory pattern. The gastrointestinal inflammation pathways proposed to play a role in ASD are also discussed. Moreover, the body of evidence regarding some of the genetic factors linked to the immune system dysregulation is reviewed and discussed. Last, but not least, the epigenetic traits and their interactions with the immune system are reviewed as an expanding field in ASD research. Understanding the immune-mediated pathways that influence brain development and function, metabolism, and intestinal homeostasis, may lead to the identification of robust diagnostic or predictive biomarkers for ASD individuals. Thus, novel therapeutic approaches could be developed, ultimately aiming to improve their quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Erbescu
- Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania.,Faculty of Biology, Doctoral School, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Magdalena Budisteanu
- Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania.,Prof. Dr. Alex. Obregia Clinical Hospital of Psychiatry, Bucharest, Romania.,Faculty of Medicine, Titu Maiorescu University, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Aurora Arghir
- Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Monica Neagu
- Victor Babes National Institute of Pathology, Bucharest, Romania.,Faculty of Biology, Doctoral School, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania.,Colentina Clinical Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
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Nadeem A, Ahmad SF, Al-Harbi NO, Al-Ayadhi LY, Sarawi W, Attia SM, Bakheet SA, Alqarni SA, Ali N, AsSobeai HM. Imbalance in pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory cytokines milieu in B cells of children with autism. Mol Immunol 2021; 141:297-304. [PMID: 34915269 DOI: 10.1016/j.molimm.2021.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
B cells play multiple roles in preservation of healthy immune system including management of immune responses by expression of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. Several earlier studies have documented that B cells express both pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, TNF-α as well as anti-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-10. However, it is yet to be examined whether these pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokines are expressed in B cells of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Pathophysiology of ASD begins in early childhood and is characterized by repetitive/restricted behavioral patterns, and dysfunction in communal/communication skills. ASD pathophysiology also has a strong component of immune dysfunction which has been highlighted in numerous earlier publications. In this study, we specifically explored pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, IL-17A, IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-10) in B cells of ASD subjects and compared them typically developing control (TDC) children. Present study shows that inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6 and TNF-α are elevated in B cells of ASD subjects, while anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10 is decreased in ASD group when compared to TDC group. Further, TLR4 activation by its ligand, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) further upregulates inflammatory potential of B cells from ASD group by increasing IL-6 expression, whereas LPS has no significant effect on IL-10 expression in ASD group. Furthermore, LPS-induced inflammatory signaling of IL-6 in B cells of ASD subjects was partially mitigated by the pretreatment with NF-kB inhibitor. Present study propounds the idea that B cells could be crucial players in causing immune dysfunction in ASD subjects through an imbalance in expression of pro-/anti-inflammatory cytokines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Nadeem
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Sheikh F Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Naif O Al-Harbi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Laila Y Al-Ayadhi
- Autism Research and Treatment Center, AL-Amodi Autism Research Chair, Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Wedad Sarawi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sabry M Attia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh A Bakheet
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh A Alqarni
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nemat Ali
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Homood M AsSobeai
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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30
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Yousefi B, Kokhaei P, Mehranfar F, Bahar A, Abdolshahi A, Emadi A, Eslami M. The role of the host microbiome in autism and neurodegenerative disorders and effect of epigenetic procedures in the brain functions. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 132:998-1009. [PMID: 34742725 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.10.046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 10/13/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a severe neurological/neurodegenerative syndrome that results in cognitive and communication disorders. The degree of dysbiosis is related to the severity of ASD signs. The gut is conferred with a variety of sensory receptors that cooperate with effector systems including the endocrine, nervous and gut immune systems of the intestine. Gut dysbiosis causes amplified inflammation, the launch of the HPA axis, changed levels of neurotransmitters and bacterial metabolites; these may donate to abnormal signaling throughout the Vagus nerve in ASD. Decreased integrity of the gastrointestinal barrier led to extreme leakage of substances as of the intestine in early life and inflammation followed by disruption of BBB integrity maybe increase the risk of ASD. Microbiota, by controlling the barrier permeability, regulate the quantity and types of bioactive materials that are transferred from the intestine to the brain. Exposure to metabolites and microbial products regulate significant procedures in the CNS, including glial cell role, myelination, synaptic pruning, and play a role in neurobehavioral, neurodegenerative, psychiatric, and metabolic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahman Yousefi
- Department of Immunology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Parviz Kokhaei
- Department of Immunology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran; Immune and Gene Therapy Lab, Cancer Centre Karolinska, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Fatemeh Mehranfar
- Student Research Committee, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Aisa Bahar
- Department of Biochemistry, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Anna Abdolshahi
- Food Safety Research Center (Salt), Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Alireza Emadi
- Deputy of Research and Technology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran
| | - Majid Eslami
- Cancer Research Center, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran; Department of Bacteriology and Virology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan, Iran.
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31
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Zawadzka A, Cieślik M, Adamczyk A. The Role of Maternal Immune Activation in the Pathogenesis of Autism: A Review of the Evidence, Proposed Mechanisms and Implications for Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111516. [PMID: 34768946 PMCID: PMC8584025 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Revised: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disease that is characterized by a deficit in social interactions and communication, as well as repetitive and restrictive behaviors. Increasing lines of evidence suggest an important role for immune dysregulation and/or inflammation in the development of ASD. Recently, a relationship between inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction has been reported in the brain tissue of individuals with ASD. Some recent studies have also reported oxidative stress and mitochondrial abnormalities in animal models of maternal immune activation (MIA). This review is focused on the hypothesis that MIA induces microglial activation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction, a deleterious trio in the brain that can lead to neuroinflammation and neurodevelopmental pathologies in offspring. Infection during pregnancy activates the mother’s immune system to release proinflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6, TNF-α, and others. Furthermore, these cytokines can directly cross the placenta and enter the fetal circulation, or activate resident immune cells, resulting in an increased production of proinflammatory cytokines, including IL-6. Proinflammatory cytokines that cross the blood–brain barrier (BBB) may initiate a neuroinflammation cascade, starting with the activation of the microglia. Inflammatory processes induce oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction that, in turn, may exacerbate oxidative stress in a self-perpetuating vicious cycle that can lead to downstream abnormalities in brain development and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Magdalena Cieślik
- Correspondence: (M.C.); (A.A.); Tel.: +48-22-6086420 (M.C.); +48-22-6086572 (A.A.)
| | - Agata Adamczyk
- Correspondence: (M.C.); (A.A.); Tel.: +48-22-6086420 (M.C.); +48-22-6086572 (A.A.)
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32
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Sallustio F, Picerno A, Tatullo M, Rampino A, Rengo C, Valletta A, Torretta S, Falcone RM. Toll-Like Receptors in Stem/Progenitor Cells. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2021; 276:175-212. [PMID: 34595583 DOI: 10.1007/164_2021_539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
One of the bridges that control the cross-talk between the innate and adaptive immune systems is toll-like receptors (TLRs). TLRs interact with molecules shared and maintained by the source pathogens, but also with endogenous molecules derived from injured tissues (damage/danger-associated molecular patterns - DAMPs). This is likely why some kinds of stem/progenitor cells (SCs) have been found to express TLRs. The role of TLRs in regulating basal motility, proliferation, processes of differentiation, self-renewal, and immunomodulation has been demonstrated in these cells. In this book chapter, we will discuss the many different functions assumed by the TLRs in SCs, pointing out that, depending on the context and the type of ligands they perceive, they may have different effects. In addition, the role of TLR in SC's response to specific tissue damage and in reparative processes will be addressed, as well as how the discovery of molecules mediating TLR signaling's differential function may be decisive for the development of new therapeutic strategies. Given the available studies on TLRs in SCs, the significance of TLRs in sensing an injury to stem/progenitor cells and evaluating their action and reparative activity, which depends on the circumstances, will be discussed here. It could also be possible that SCs used in therapy could theoretically be exposed to TLR ligands, which could modulate their in vivo therapeutic potential. In this context, we need to better understand the mechanisms of action of TLRs on SCs and learn how to regulate these receptors and their downstream pathways in a precise way in order to modulate SC proliferation, survival, migration, and differentiation in the pathological environment. In this way, cell therapy may be strengthened and made safer in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Sallustio
- Department of Interdisciplinary Medicine, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy.
| | - Angela Picerno
- Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation Unit, DETO, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Marco Tatullo
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neurosciences and Sense Organs-University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Antonio Rampino
- Group of Psychiatric Neuroscience, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Carlo Rengo
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Alessandra Valletta
- Department of Neurosciences, Reproductive and Odontostomatological Sciences, University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Silvia Torretta
- Group of Psychiatric Neuroscience, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Neuroscience and Sense Organs, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Rosa Maria Falcone
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
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Strekalova T, Svirin E, Veniaminova E, Kopeikina E, Veremeyko T, Yung AWY, Proshin A, Walitza S, Anthony DC, Lim LW, Lesch KP, Ponomarev ED. ASD-like behaviors, a dysregulated inflammatory response and decreased expression of PLP1 characterize mice deficient for sialyltransferase ST3GAL5. Brain Behav Immun Health 2021; 16:100306. [PMID: 34589798 PMCID: PMC8474501 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2021.100306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/24/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Gangliosides are glycosphingolipids, which are abundant in brain, are known to modulate ion channels and cell-to-cell communication. Deficiencies can result in aberrant myelination and altered immune responses, which can give rise to neurodevelopmental psychiatric disorders. However, to date, little mechanistic data is available on how ganglioside deficiencies contribute to the behavioural disorders. In humans, the loss of lactosylceramide-alpha-2,3-sialyltransferase (ST3Gal5) leads to a severe neuropathology, but in ST3Gal5 knock-out (St3gal5−/−) mice the absence of GM3 and associated a-, b- and c-series gangliosides is partially compensated by 0-series gangliosides and there is no overt behavioural phenotype. Here, we sought to examine the behavioural and molecular consequences of GM3 loss more closely. Mutants of both sexes exhibited impaired conditioned taste aversion in an inhibitory learning task and anxiety-like behaviours in the open field, moderate motor deficits, abnormal social interactions, excessive grooming and rearing behaviours. Taken together, the aberrant behaviours are suggestive of an autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-like syndrome. Molecular analysis showed decreased gene and protein expression of proteolipid protein-1 (Plp1) and over expression of proinflammatory cytokines, which has been associated with ASD-like syndromes. The inflammatory and behavioural responses to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) were also altered in the St3gal5−/− mice compared to wild-type, which is indicative of the importance of GM3 gangliosides in regulating immune responses. Together, the St3gal5−/− mice display ASD-like behavioural features, altered response to systemic inflammation, signs of hypomyelination and neuroinflammation, which suggests that deficiency in a- and b-series gangliosides could contribute to the development of an ASD-like pathology in humans. St3gal5−/− mice exhibit aberrant social, motor and cognitive behavior that is reminiscent of ASD-like syndrome. Interleukin1β is upregulated in the brain and spleen of St3gal5−/− of both sexes. Mutants display reduced gene and protein expression of the myelin protein Plp1. LPS induces sex-dependent abnormalities in the inflammatory response and social behavior in the St3gal5−/− mice. St3gal5−/− mice can be used to study the behavioural consequence of a- and b-series ganglioside deficiency
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Affiliation(s)
- Tatyana Strekalova
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Department of Normal Physiology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia.,Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Evgeniy Svirin
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Department of Normal Physiology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia.,Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ekaterina Veniaminova
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Department of Normal Physiology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina Kopeikina
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Tatyana Veremeyko
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Amanda W Y Yung
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong
| | - Andrey Proshin
- P.K. Anokhin Research Institute of Normal Physiology, Moscow, Russia
| | - Susanne Walitza
- Department for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy of the University of Zurich and the University Hospital of Psychiatry, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Daniel C Anthony
- Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Department of Normal Physiology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia.,Department of Pharmacology, Oxford University, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Lee Wei Lim
- Neuromodulation Laboratory, School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Klaus-Peter Lesch
- Department of Psychiatry and Neuropsychology, School for Mental Health and Neuroscience (MHeNS), Maastricht University, Maastricht, the Netherlands.,Laboratory of Psychiatric Neurobiology, Institute of Molecular Medicine and Department of Normal Physiology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia.,Division of Molecular Psychiatry, Center of Mental Health, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Eugene D Ponomarev
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, Hong Kong.,Kunmin Institute of Zoology, Chinese University of Hong Kong Joint Laboratory of Bioresources and Molecular Research of Common Diseases, Kunmin-Hong Kong, China
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34
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Gevezova M, Sarafian V, Anderson G, Maes M. Inflammation and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Autism Spectrum Disorder. CNS & NEUROLOGICAL DISORDERS-DRUG TARGETS 2021; 19:320-333. [PMID: 32600237 DOI: 10.2174/1871527319666200628015039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is a severe childhood psychiatric condition with an array of cognitive, language and social impairments that can significantly impact family life. ASD is classically characterized by reduced communication skills and social interactions, with limitations imposed by repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, and activities. The pathophysiology of ASD is thought to arise from complex interactions between environmental and genetic factors within the context of individual development. A growing body of research has raised the possibility of identifying the aetiological causes of the disorder. This review highlights the roles of immune-inflammatory pathways, nitro-oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunctions in ASD pathogenesis and symptom severity. The role of NK-cells, T helper, T regulatory and B-cells, coupled with increased inflammatory cytokines, lowered levels of immune-regulatory cytokines, and increased autoantibodies and microglial activation is elucidated. It is proposed that alterations in mitochondrial activity and nitrooxidative stress are intimately associated with activated immune-inflammatory pathways. Future research should determine as to whether the mitochondria, immune-inflammatory activity and nitrooxidative stress changes in ASD affect the development of amygdala-frontal cortex interactions. A number of treatment implications may arise, including prevention-orientated prenatal interventions, treatment of pregnant women with vitamin D, and sodium butyrate. Treatments of ASD children and adults with probiotics, sodium butyrate and butyrate-inducing diets, antipurinergic therapy with suramin, melatonin, oxytocin and taurine are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Gevezova
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria,Research Institute at Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | - Victoria Sarafian
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria,Research Institute at Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria
| | | | - Michael Maes
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University-Plovdiv, Plovdiv, Bulgaria,Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok, Thailand,IMPACT Strategic Research Center, Deakin University, Geelong, Australia
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35
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Han VX, Patel S, Jones HF, Dale RC. Maternal immune activation and neuroinflammation in human neurodevelopmental disorders. Nat Rev Neurol 2021; 17:564-579. [PMID: 34341569 DOI: 10.1038/s41582-021-00530-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 206] [Impact Index Per Article: 68.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Maternal health during pregnancy plays a major role in shaping health and disease risks in the offspring. The maternal immune activation hypothesis proposes that inflammatory perturbations in utero can affect fetal neurodevelopment, and evidence from human epidemiological studies supports an association between maternal inflammation during pregnancy and offspring neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs). Diverse maternal inflammatory factors, including obesity, asthma, autoimmune disease, infection and psychosocial stress, are associated with an increased risk of NDDs in the offspring. In addition to inflammation, epigenetic factors are increasingly recognized to operate at the gene-environment interface during NDD pathogenesis. For example, integrated brain transcriptome and epigenetic analyses of individuals with NDDs demonstrate convergent dysregulated immune pathways. In this Review, we focus on the emerging human evidence for an association between maternal immune activation and childhood NDDs, including autism spectrum disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and Tourette syndrome. We refer to established pathophysiological concepts in animal models, including immune signalling across the placenta, epigenetic 'priming' of offspring microglia and postnatal immune-brain crosstalk. The increasing incidence of NDDs has created an urgent need to mitigate the risk and severity of these conditions through both preventive strategies in pregnancy and novel postnatal therapies targeting disease mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Velda X Han
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Khoo Teck Puat-National University Children's Medical Institute, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Shrujna Patel
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,The Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Hannah F Jones
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Neuroservices, Starship Children's Hospital, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Russell C Dale
- Kids Neuroscience Centre, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. .,The Children's Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. .,The Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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36
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Nadeem A, Al-Harbi NO, Ahmad SF, Alhazzani K, Attia SM, Alsanea S, Alhoshani A, Mahmood HM, Alfardan AS, Bakheet SA. Exposure to the plasticizer, Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate during juvenile period exacerbates autism-like behavior in adult BTBR T + tf/J mice due to DNA hypomethylation and enhanced inflammation in brain and systemic immune cells. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 109:110249. [PMID: 33497755 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2021.110249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 01/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Epigenetic modifications are known to play a crucial role in the behavioral modifications through regulation of gene expression. Environmental factors are known to regulate genetic transcription through DNA methylation which is one of the mechanisms of epigenetic modification. Di-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (DEHP) is one of the most abundant phthalate plasticizers in day-to-day products. Prenatal/postnatal DEHP administration has been reported to cause inflammation as well as behavioral dysregulation, however it is not known if exposure to DEHP during juvenile stage affects peripheral/neuronal inflammation and autism-like symptoms in BTBR mice at adulthood. This study investigated effect of DEHP exposure during juvenile period on DNA methylation (global DNA methylation/DNMT1 expression) and inflammation (IL-17A, IL-6, MCP-1, TNF-α) in CD4 + T cells/CD11c + DCs and cortex, and autism-like symptoms (three-chambered sociability test, self-grooming and marble burying test) in asocial BTBR and social C57 mice at adulthood. Our data reveal that BTBR mice exposed to DEHP during juvenile period have hypomethylated DNA/DNMT1 expression in CD11c + DCs and cortex as compared to vehicle-exposed BTBR mice. It was associated with upregulated inflammation in periphery [plasma IL-6/IL-17A, CD11c + DCs (IL-6/MCP-1/TNF-α), and CD4+ T cells (IL-17A)] and cortex (IL-6, MCP-1, TNF-α), and aggravation in autism-like symptoms in DEHP-treated BTBR mice. These data propose that exposure of DEHP during juvenile period may affect autism-like behavior and inflammation in BTBR mice at adulthood through epigenetic regulation. Therefore, underlying genetic predisposition may play a crucial role in worsening of autistic symptoms in ASD subjects in adulthood if they are exposed to environmental pollutants such as DEHP during juvenile period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Nadeem
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Naif O Al-Harbi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sheikh F Ahmad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Khalid Alhazzani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sabry M Attia
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sary Alsanea
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Alhoshani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hafiz M Mahmood
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali S Alfardan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh A Bakheet
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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37
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Rasmusson AJ, Gallwitz M, Soltanabadi B, Ciuculete DM, Mengel-From J, Christensen K, Nygaard M, Soerensen M, Boström AE, Fredriksson R, Freyhult E, Mwinyi J, Czamara D, Binder EB, Schiöth HB, Cunningham JL. Toll-like receptor 4 methylation grade is linked to depressive symptom severity. Transl Psychiatry 2021; 11:371. [PMID: 34226490 PMCID: PMC8257733 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-021-01481-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2020] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This study explores potential associations between the methylation of promoter-associated CpG sites of the toll-like receptor (TLR)-family, plasma levels of pro-inflammatory proteins and depressive symptoms in young female psychiatric patients. Ratings of depressive symptoms and blood samples were obtained from 92 young women seeking psychiatric care. Methylation of 32 promoter-associated CpG sites in TLR1 to TLR10 was analysed using the Illumina Infinium Methylation EPIC BeadChip. Expression levels of 91 inflammatory proteins were determined by proximity extension assay. Statistical correlations between depressive state, TLR1-10 methylation and inflammatory proteins were investigated. Four additional cohorts were studied to evaluate the generalizability of the findings. In the discovery cohort, methylation grade of cg05429895 (TLR4) in blood was inversely correlated with depressive symptoms score in young adults. After correction for multiple testing, plasma levels of macrophage inflammatory protein 1β (MIP-1β/CCL4) were associated with both TLR4 methylation and depressive symptom severity. A similar inverse association between TLR4 methylation in blood and affective symptoms score was also found in a cohort of 148 both males and females (<40 years of age) from the Danish Twin Registry. These findings were not, however, replicated in three other external cohorts; which differed from the first two cohorts by a higher age and mixed ethnicities, thus limiting the generalizability of our findings. However, TLR4 methylation inversely correlated with TLR4 mRNA expression in the Danish Twin Study indicating a functional significance of methylation at this particular CpG. Higher depression scores in young Scandinavian adults was associated with decreased methylation of TLR4 in blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annica J Rasmusson
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Uppsala University Hospital, Entrance 10, Floor 3B, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Maike Gallwitz
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Uppsala University Hospital, Entrance 10, Floor 3B, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Bardia Soltanabadi
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Uppsala University Hospital, Entrance 10, Floor 3B, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Diana M Ciuculete
- Department of Neuroscience, Functional Pharmacology, Uppsala University, BMC, Box 593, 751 24, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jonas Mengel-From
- The Danish Twin Registry, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Kaare Christensen
- The Danish Twin Registry, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Marianne Nygaard
- The Danish Twin Registry, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Mette Soerensen
- The Danish Twin Registry, Epidemiology, Biostatistics and Biodemography, Department of Public Health, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Genetics, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
| | - Adrian E Boström
- Department of Neuroscience, Functional Pharmacology, Uppsala University, BMC, Box 593, 751 24, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Robert Fredriksson
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Molecular Neuropharmacology, Uppsala University, 75124, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Eva Freyhult
- Department of Medical Sciences, National Bioinformatics Infrastructure Sweden, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jessica Mwinyi
- Department of Neuroscience, Functional Pharmacology, Uppsala University, BMC, Box 593, 751 24, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Darina Czamara
- Department Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max-Planck-Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Elisabeth B Binder
- Department Translational Research in Psychiatry, Max-Planck-Institute of Psychiatry, Munich, Germany
| | - Helgi B Schiöth
- Department of Neuroscience, Functional Pharmacology, Uppsala University, BMC, Box 593, 751 24, Uppsala, Sweden
- Institute of Translational Medicine and Biotechnology, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Janet L Cunningham
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Uppsala University Hospital, Entrance 10, Floor 3B, 751 85, Uppsala, Sweden.
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Salloum-Asfar S, Elsayed AK, Elhag SF, Abdulla SA. Circulating Non-Coding RNAs as a Signature of Autism Spectrum Disorder Symptomatology. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22126549. [PMID: 34207213 PMCID: PMC8235321 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a multifaced neurodevelopmental disorder that becomes apparent during early childhood development. The complexity of ASD makes clinically diagnosing the condition difficult. Consequently, by identifying the biomarkers associated with ASD severity and combining them with clinical diagnosis, one may better factionalize within the spectrum and devise more targeted therapeutic strategies. Currently, there are no reliable biomarkers that can be used for precise ASD diagnosis. Consequently, our pilot experimental cohort was subdivided into three groups: healthy controls, individuals those that express severe symptoms of ASD, and individuals that exhibit mild symptoms of ASD. Using next-generation sequencing, we were able to identify several circulating non-coding RNAs (cir-ncRNAs) in plasma. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to show that miRNAs, piRNAs, snoRNAs, Y-RNAs, tRNAs, and lncRNAs are stably expressed in plasma. Our data identify cir-ncRNAs that are specific to ASD. Furthermore, several of the identified cir-ncRNAs were explicitly associated with either the severe or mild groups. Hence, our findings suggest that cir-ncRNAs have the potential to be utilized as objective diagnostic biomarkers and clinical targets.
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Increased Serum Concentrations of High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) Protein in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. CHILDREN-BASEL 2021; 8:children8060478. [PMID: 34198762 PMCID: PMC8228126 DOI: 10.3390/children8060478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
High mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1) has been suggested to be involved in the immune dysfunction and inflammation reported in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We aimed to assess HMGB1 serum concentrations (SCs) in high-functioning ASD children compared to typically developing (TD) controls and to explore their associations with the autism spectrum quotient (AQ), the empathy quotient (EQ), and the systemizing quotient (SQ). The study involved 42 ASD children and 38 TD children, all-male, aged between 6.1 and 13.3 years old. HMGB1 SCs were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Groups were comparable regarding age, general IQ, birth weight, and maternal age at birth. ASD children showed significantly higher HMGB1 SCs compared to TD children (1.25 ± 0.84 ng/mL versus 1.13 ± 0.79 ng/mL, respectively, p = 0.039). The Spearman’s rho revealed that HMGB1 SCs were positively correlated with the AQ attention to detail subscale (rs = 0.46, p = 0.045) and with the SQ total score (rs = 0.42, p = 0.04) in the ASD group. These results show that HMGB1 serum concentrations are altered in ASD children, and suggest that inflammatory processes mediated by HMGB1 may be associated with specific cognitive features observed in ASD.
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Maternal autoimmunity and inflammation are associated with childhood tics and obsessive-compulsive disorder: Transcriptomic data show common enriched innate immune pathways. Brain Behav Immun 2021; 94:308-317. [PMID: 33422639 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2020.12.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although genetic variation is a major risk factor of neurodevelopmental disorders, environmental factors during pregnancy and early life are also important in disease expression. Animal models demonstrate that maternal inflammation causes fetal neuroinflammation and neurodevelopmental deficits, and brain transcriptomics of neurodevelopmental disorders in humans show upregulated differentially expressed genes are enriched in immune pathways. We prospectively recruited 200 sequentially referred children with tic disorders/obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), 100 autoimmune neurological controls, and 100 age-matched healthy controls. A structured interview captured the maternal and family history of autoimmune disease and other pro-inflammatory states. Maternal blood and published Tourette brain transcriptomes were analysed for overlapping enriched pathways. Mothers of children with tics/OCD had a higher rate of autoimmune disease compared with mothers of children with autoimmune neurological conditions (p = 0.054), and mothers of healthy controls (p = 0.0004). Autoimmunity was similarly elevated in first- and second-degree maternal relatives of children with tics/OCD (p < 0.0001 and p = 0.014 respectively). Other pro-inflammatory states were also more common in mothers of children with tics/OCD than controls (p < 0.0001). Upregulated differentially expressed genes in maternal autoimmune disease and Tourette brain transcriptomes were commonly enriched in innate immune processes. Pro-inflammatory states, including autoimmune disease, are more common in the mothers and families of children with tics/OCD. Exploratory transcriptome analysis indicates innate immune signalling may link maternal inflammation and childhood tics/OCD. Targeting inflammation may represent preventative strategies in pregnancy and treatment opportunities for children with neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Baranova J, Dragunas G, Botellho MCS, Ayub ALP, Bueno-Alves R, Alencar RR, Papaiz DD, Sogayar MC, Ulrich H, Correa RG. Autism Spectrum Disorder: Signaling Pathways and Prospective Therapeutic Targets. Cell Mol Neurobiol 2021; 41:619-649. [PMID: 32468442 DOI: 10.1007/s10571-020-00882-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) consists of a prevalent and heterogeneous group of neurodevelopmental diseases representing a severe burden to affected individuals and their caretakers. Despite substantial improvement towards understanding of ASD etiology and pathogenesis, as well as increased social awareness and more intensive research, no effective drugs have been successfully developed to resolve the main and most cumbersome ASD symptoms. Hence, finding better treatments, which may act as "disease-modifying" agents, and novel biomarkers for earlier ASD diagnosis and disease stage determination are needed. Diverse mutations of core components and consequent malfunctions of several cell signaling pathways have already been found in ASD by a series of experimental platforms, including genetic associations analyses and studies utilizing pre-clinical animal models and patient samples. These signaling cascades govern a broad range of neurological features such as neuronal development, neurotransmission, metabolism, and homeostasis, as well as immune regulation and inflammation. Here, we review the current knowledge on signaling pathways which are commonly disrupted in ASD and autism-related conditions. As such, we further propose ways to translate these findings into the development of genetic and biochemical clinical tests for early autism detection. Moreover, we highlight some putative druggable targets along these pathways, which, upon further research efforts, may evolve into novel therapeutic interventions for certain ASD conditions. Lastly, we also refer to the crosstalk among these major signaling cascades as well as their putative implications in therapeutics. Based on this collective information, we believe that a timely and accurate modulation of these prominent pathways may shape the neurodevelopment and neuro-immune regulation of homeostatic patterns and, hopefully, rescue some (if not all) ASD phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana Baranova
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 748, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Guilherme Dragunas
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 1524, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Mayara C S Botellho
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 748, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Ana Luisa P Ayub
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Pedro de Toledo 669, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, 04039-032, Brazil
| | - Rebeca Bueno-Alves
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 748, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Rebeca R Alencar
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 748, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Debora D Papaiz
- Department of Pharmacology, Federal University of São Paulo, Rua Pedro de Toledo 669, Vila Clementino, São Paulo, SP, 04039-032, Brazil
| | - Mari C Sogayar
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 748, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
- Cell and Molecular Therapy Center, School of Medicine, University of São Paulo, Rua Pangaré 100 (Edifício NUCEL), Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05360-130, Brazil
| | - Henning Ulrich
- Department of Biochemistry, Chemistry Institute, University of São Paulo, Avenida Professor Lineu Prestes 748, Butantã, São Paulo, SP, 05508-000, Brazil
| | - Ricardo G Correa
- NCI-Designated Cancer Center, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA, 92037, USA.
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Just D, Rasmusson AJ, Nilsson P, Noreland M, Malmström E, Brodin P, Månberg A, Cunningham JL. Autoantibodies against the C-terminus of Lipopolysaccharide binding protein are elevated in young adults with psychiatric disease. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2021; 126:105162. [PMID: 33578084 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2021.105162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2020] [Revised: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Growing evidence implies interactions between infections, the immune system and vulnerability for psychiatric disease. This study applies an affinity proteomic-based method to investigate potential disease associated autoantibody signatures in serum from patients from the "Young Adults" section of the Department of General Psychiatry at Uppsala University Hospital (n = 395) and population-based controls (n = 102). We found serum levels of antibodies against Lipopolysaccharide Binding Protein (LBP), a protein that is important for mediating innate immune responses involving the toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4), to be higher in patients compared to controls (Mann Whitney U-test p = 5.248 × 10-10). The patients were divided into three groups based on their relative levels of autoantibodies against LBP. The distribution of autism spectra disorders (p = 2.0 × 10-4) and hospital care for an infection as adults (p = 0.036) differed between the anti-LBP groups, with low incidence in the group of patients with the highest levels of anti-LBP who were diagnosed with primarily affective and anxiety disorders. In a sub-group analysis, the controls who screened positive for current or previous psychiatric diagnosis (n = 20) had higher anti-LBP compared to non-psychiatric controls with negative screening for psychiatric disorders (Mann Whitney U-test p = 0.006). Inflammatory markers were found to differ across anti-LBP groups and several pro-inflammatory markers, including IL-1β, were low in patients with high anti-LBP and serum LBP levels were lowest in patients with the highest levels of antibodies against LBP (p = 3.5 × 10-5). A cell-based model showed that polyclonal rabbit anti-LBP, obtained through purification via the same protein fragment used in the initial autoantibody analysis, could interfere with LBP signaling since addition of anti-LBP to the assay reduced both IL-1β and IL-6 release from activated monocytes in response to LBP and LPS (p = 0.0001 and p = 0.02). This novel finding of antibodies against LBP, where high levels were only found in young adults with psychiatric disease, merits further study. Our results suggest that these antibodies may have relevance for TLR4 based immune responses and vulnerability for both infection and psychiatric disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Just
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Uppsala University Hospital, Entrance 10, Floor 3B, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Annica J Rasmusson
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Uppsala University Hospital, Entrance 10, Floor 3B, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Peter Nilsson
- Department of Protein Science, Affinity Proteomics, Science for life laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Maria Noreland
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Uppsala University Hospital, Entrance 10, Floor 3B, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Emma Malmström
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Uppsala University Hospital, Entrance 10, Floor 3B, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Petter Brodin
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska Institute, Sweden; Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden
| | - Anna Månberg
- Department of Protein Science, Affinity Proteomics, Science for life laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Janet L Cunningham
- Department of Neuroscience, Psychiatry, Uppsala University, Uppsala University Hospital, Entrance 10, Floor 3B, 751 85 Uppsala, Sweden.
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Patient-Derived Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPSCs) and Cerebral Organoids for Drug Screening and Development in Autism Spectrum Disorder: Opportunities and Challenges. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13020280. [PMID: 33669772 PMCID: PMC7922555 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13020280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 02/17/2021] [Accepted: 02/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) represents a group of neurodevelopmental diseases characterized by persistent deficits in social communication, interaction, and repetitive patterns of behaviors, interests, and activities. The etiopathogenesis is multifactorial with complex interactions between genetic and environmental factors. The clinical heterogeneity and complex etiology of this pediatric disorder have limited the development of pharmacological therapies. The major limit to ASD research remains a lack of relevant human disease models which can faithfully recapitulate key features of the human pathology and represent its genetic heterogeneity. Recent advances in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), reprogrammed from somatic cells of patients into all types of patient-specific neural cells, have provided a promising cellular tool for disease modeling and development of novel drug treatments. The iPSCs technology allowed not only a better investigation of the disease etiopathogenesis but also opened up the potential for personalized therapies and offered new opportunities for drug discovery, pharmacological screening, and toxicity assessment. Moreover, iPSCs can be differentiated and organized into three-dimensional (3D) organoids, providing a model which mimics the complexity of the brain’s architecture and more accurately recapitulates tissue- and organ-level disease pathophysiology. The aims of this review were to describe the current state of the art of the use of human patient-derived iPSCs and brain organoids in modeling ASD and developing novel therapeutic strategies and to discuss the opportunities and major challenges in this rapidly moving field.
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Dysregulation of Ki-67 Expression in T Cells of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder. CHILDREN-BASEL 2021; 8:children8020116. [PMID: 33562037 PMCID: PMC7915849 DOI: 10.3390/children8020116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2020] [Revised: 02/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by behavioral abnormalities such as impairments in social function and deficits in communication. The etiology of autism is unknown in most cases, but many studies have pointed towards the immune system as a causative agent in autism. Specific studies implicated lymphocytes, natural killer (NK) cells, monocytes, cytokines, and specific transcription factors in the development of ASD. The protein Ki-67 is n expressed in the proliferating cells and is used as a tool in several disorders. Ki-67 plays a crucial role in many neurological diseases. However, Ki-67 role in ASD is not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the possible role of Ki-67 expression in autistic children. We compared Ki-67 production in CD3+, CD4+, CD8+, CXCR4+, CXCR7+, CD45R+, HLA-DR+, GATA3+, Helios+, and FOXP3+ peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in autistic children to typically developing (TD) controls using immunofluorescence staining. We also determined Ki-67 mRNA levels in PBMCs using RT–PCR. The results revealed that autistic children had significantly increased numbers of CD3+Ki-67+, CD4+Ki-67+, CD8+Ki-67+, CXCR4+Ki-67+, CXCR7+Ki-67+, CD45R+Ki-67+, HLA-DR+Ki-67+, CXCR4+GATA3+, GATA3+Ki-67+ cells and decreased Helios+Ki-67+ and FOXP3+Ki-67+ cells compared with TD controls. In addition, the autistic children showed upregulation of Ki-67 mRNA levels compared with TD controls. Further studies need to be carried out to assess the exact role of Ki-67 and its therapeutic potential in ASD.
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Abdel-Rahman EA, Zaky EA, Aboulsaoud M, Elhossiny RM, Youssef WY, Mahmoud AM, Ali SS. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-associated mitochondrial deficits are revealed in children's platelets but unimproved by hyperbaric oxygen therapy. Free Radic Res 2021; 55:26-40. [PMID: 33402007 DOI: 10.1080/10715762.2020.1856376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Mitochondrial and immune dysfunctions are often implicated in the aetiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Here, we studied for the first time the relationship between ASD severity measures and mitochondrial respiratory rates in freshly isolated platelets as well as the activity of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase (NOX) in isolated neutrophils. We also verified the impact of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on mitochondrial and immune functions as well as on ASD severity measures. Blood samples were collected from three age-matched male groups (Control (Norm-N), autistic (Aut-N), and autistic + HBOT (Aut-H); N = 10 per group). Using high resolution respirometry, we found that routine basal respiration, complex I- and complex I + II-dependent oxidative phosphorylation rate were significantly impaired in Aut-N platelets. Similarly, deficits in immune response of neutrophils were evidenced through lower rates of oxygen consumption and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by phagocytic NOX. ASD-related behavioural outcomes were found to moderately correlate with platelets' mitochondrial bioenergetic parameters as well as with NOX-mediated activity in neutrophils. HBOT was not able to improve mitochondrial dysfunctions or to counteract ASD-related behavioral deficits. Although HBOT improved one measure of the immune response; namely, NOX-mediated superoxide burst, this was not associated with significant changes in trends of recurrent infections between groups. Taken together, our data suggest that ASD-associated mitochondria and immune deficits are detectable in platelets and neutrophils. We also found no evidence that HBOT confers any significant improvement of ASD-associated physiological or behavioural phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Engy A Abdel-Rahman
- Center for Aging and Associated Diseases, Helmy Institute of Medical Sciences, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt.,Basic Research Department, Children's Cancer Hospital, Cairo, Egypt.,Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Assuit University, Assuit, Egypt
| | - Eman A Zaky
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Aboulsaoud
- Center for Aging and Associated Diseases, Helmy Institute of Medical Sciences, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt
| | - Reham M Elhossiny
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Walaa Y Youssef
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ali M Mahmoud
- Center for Aging and Associated Diseases, Helmy Institute of Medical Sciences, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt
| | - Sameh S Ali
- Center for Aging and Associated Diseases, Helmy Institute of Medical Sciences, Zewail City of Science and Technology, Giza, Egypt.,Basic Research Department, Children's Cancer Hospital, Cairo, Egypt
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Harutyunyan AA, Harutyunyan HA, Yenkoyan KB. Novel Probable Glance at Inflammatory Scenario Development in Autistic Pathology. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:788779. [PMID: 35002805 PMCID: PMC8727757 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.788779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is characterized by persistent deficits in social communication and restricted-repetitive patterns of behavior, interests, or activities. ASD is generally associated with chronic inflammatory states, which are linked to immune system dysfunction and/or hyperactivation. The latter might be considered as one of the factors damaging neuronal cells. Several cell types trigger and sustain such neuroinflammation. In this study, we traced different markers of immune system activation on both cellular (immune cell phenotypes) and mediatory levels (production of cytokines) alongside adverse hematology and biochemistry screening in a group of autistic children. In addition, we analyzed the main metabolic pathways potentially involved in ASD development: energy (citric acid cycle components), porphyrin, and neurotransmitter metabolism. Several ASD etiological factors, like heavy metal intoxication, and risk factors-genetic polymorphisms of the relevant neurotransmitters and vitamin D receptors-were also analyzed. Finally, broad linear regression analysis allowed us to elucidate the possible scenario that led to the development of chronic inflammation in ASD patients. Obtained data showed elevated levels of urinary cis-aconitate, isocitrate, alfa-ketoglutarate, and HMG. There were no changes in levels of metabolites of monoamine neurotransmitters, however, the liver-specific tryptophan kinurenine pathway metabolites showed increased levels of quinolinate (QUIN) and picolinate, whereas the level of kynurenate remained unchanged. Abovementioned data demonstrate the infringement in energy metabolism. We found elevated levels of lead in red blood cells, as well as altered porphyrin metabolism, which support the etiological role of heavy metal intoxication in ASD. Lead intoxication, the effect of which is intensified by a mutation of the VDR-Taq and MAO-A, leads to quinolinic acid increase, resulting in energy metabolism depletion and mitochondrial dysfunction. Moreover, our data backing the CD4+CD3+ T-cell dependence of mitochondrial dysfunction development in ASD patients reported in our previous study leads us to the conclusion that redox-immune cross-talk is considered a main functional cell damaging factor in ASD patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida A Harutyunyan
- Department of Biochemistry, Yerevan State Medical University After Mkhitar Heratsi, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Hayk A Harutyunyan
- Laboratory of Neuroscience, Cobrain Center, Yerevan State Medical University After Mkhitar Heratsi, Yerevan, Armenia
| | - Konstantin B Yenkoyan
- Department of Biochemistry, Yerevan State Medical University After Mkhitar Heratsi, Yerevan, Armenia.,Laboratory of Neuroscience, Cobrain Center, Yerevan State Medical University After Mkhitar Heratsi, Yerevan, Armenia
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Healing autism spectrum disorder with cannabinoids: a neuroinflammatory story. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2020; 121:128-143. [PMID: 33358985 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.12.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with a multifactorial etiology. Latest researches are raising the hypothesis of a link between the onset of the main behavioral symptoms of ASD and the chronic neuroinflammatory condition of the autistic brain; increasing evidence of this connection is shedding light on new possible players in the pathogenesis of ASD. The endocannabinoid system (ECS) has a key role in neurodevelopment as well as in normal inflammatory responses and it is not surprising that many preclinical and clinical studies account for alterations of the endocannabinoid signaling in ASD. These findings lay the foundation for a better understanding of the neurochemical mechanisms underlying ASD and for new therapeutic attempts aimed at exploiting the renowned anti-inflammatory properties of cannabinoids to treat pathologies encompassed in the autistic spectrum. This review discusses the current preclinical and clinical evidence supporting a key role of the ECS in the neuroinflammatory state that characterizes ASD, providing hints to identify new biomarkers in ASD and promising therapies for the future.
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Critical Role of the Maternal Immune System in the Pathogenesis of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8120557. [PMID: 33271759 PMCID: PMC7760377 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8120557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 11/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are a group of neurodevelopmental disorders characterised by impairments in communication, social interaction, and the presence of restrictive and repetitive behaviours. Over the past decade, most of the research in ASD has focused on the contribution of genetics, with the identification of a variety of different genes and mutations. However, the vast heterogeneity in clinical presentations associated with this disorder suggests that environmental factors may be involved, acting as a “second hit” in already genetically susceptible individuals. To this regard, emerging evidence points towards a role for maternal immune system dysfunctions. This literature review considered evidence from epidemiological studies and aimed to discuss the pathological relevance of the maternal immune system in ASD by looking at the proposed mechanisms by which it alters the prenatal environment. In particular, this review focuses on the effects of maternal immune activation (MIA) by looking at foetal brain-reactive antibodies, cytokines and the microbiome. Despite the arguments presented here that strongly implicate MIA in the pathophysiology of ASD, further research is needed to fully understand the precise mechanisms by which they alter brain structure and behaviour. Overall, this review has not only shown the importance of the maternal immune system as a risk factor for ASD, but more importantly, has highlighted new promising pathways to target for the discovery of novel therapeutic interventions for the treatment of such a life-changing disorder.
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Li B, Peng X, Li H, Chen F, Chen Y, Zhang Y, Le K. The performance of the alarmin HMGB1 in pediatric diseases: From lab to clinic. IMMUNITY INFLAMMATION AND DISEASE 2020; 9:8-30. [PMID: 33140586 PMCID: PMC7860603 DOI: 10.1002/iid3.370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The ubiquitously expressed nonhistone nuclear protein high-mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) has different functions related to posttranslational modifications and cellular localization. In the nucleus, HMGB1 modulates gene transcription, replication and DNA repair as well as determines chromosomal architecture. When the post-transcriptional modified HMGB1 is released into the extracellular space, it triggers several physiological and pathological responses and initiates innate immunity through interacting with its reciprocal receptors (i.e., TLR4/2 and RAGE). The effect of HMGB1-mediated inflammatory activation on different systems has received increasing attention. HMGB1 is now considered to be an alarmin and participates in multiple inflammation-related diseases. In addition, HMGB1 also affects the occurrence and progression of tumors. However, most studies involving HMGB1 have been focused on adults or mature animals. Due to differences in disease characteristics between children and adults, it is necessary to clarify the role of HMGB1 in pediatric diseases. METHODS AND RESULTS Through systematic database retrieval, this review aimed to first elaborate the characteristics of HMGB1 under physiological and pathological conditions and then discuss the clinical significance of HMGB1 in the pediatric diseases according to different systems. CONCLUSIONS HMGB1 plays an important role in a variety of pediatric diseases and may be used as a diagnostic biomarker and therapeutic target for new strategies for the prevention and treatment of pediatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Li
- Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Hebei Province Affiliated to Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Xin Peng
- Department of Otolaryngology, The Affiliated Children's Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - He Li
- Department of Urology Surgery, Qilu Children's Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Fei Chen
- Department of Child Health Care, Qilu Children's Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Yuxia Chen
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Child Development and Disorders, and Chongqing Key Laboratory of Translational Medical Research in Cognitive Development and Learning and Memory Disorders, and Rehabilitation Centre, Children's Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, Yuzhong, China
| | - Yingqian Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Children's Hospital of Hebei Province Affiliated to Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei, China
| | - Kai Le
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
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Vogel Ciernia A, Link VM, Careaga M, LaSalle J, Ashwood P. Genetic variants drive altered epigenetic regulation of endotoxin response in BTBR macrophages. Brain Behav Immun 2020; 89:20-31. [PMID: 32454135 PMCID: PMC7572655 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2020.05.058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2020] [Revised: 05/06/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The BTBR T+Itpr3tf/J (BTBR) mouse has been used as a complex genetic model of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). While the specific mechanisms underlying BTBR behavioral phenotypes are poorly understood, prior studies have implicated profound differences in innate immune system control of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Innate immune activation and elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines are also detected in blood of children with ASD. In this study, we examined how underlying BTBR genetic variants correspond to strain-specific changes in chromatin accessibility, resulting in a pro-inflammatory response specifically in BTBR bone marrow derived macrophages (BMDM). In response to repeated lipopolysaccharide (LPS) treatments, C57BL/6J (C57) BMDM exhibited intact endotoxin tolerance. In contrast, BTBR BMDM exhibited hyper-responsive expression of genes that were normally tolerized in C57. This failure in formation of endotoxin tolerance in BTBR was mirrored at the level of chromatin accessibility. Using ATAC-seq, we specifically identified promoter and enhancer regions with strain-specific differential chromatin accessibility both at baseline and in response to LPS. Regions with strain-specific differences in chromatin accessibility were significantly enriched for BTBR genetic variants, such that an average of 22% of the differential chromatin regions had at least one variant. Together, these results demonstrate that BTBR genetic variants contribute to altered chromatin responsiveness to endotoxin challenge resulting in hyper-responsive innate immunity in BTBR. These findings provide evidence for an interaction between complex genetic variants and differential epigenetic regulation of innate immune responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Vogel Ciernia
- Department Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada V6T2A1, Corresponding author: Annie Vogel Ciernia, Djavad Mowafaghian Centre for Brain Health, 2215 Wesbrook Mall, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, 604-827-0752,
| | - Verena M. Link
- Metaorganism Immunity Section, Laboratory of Immune System Biology, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA 20892
| | - Milo Careaga
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, MIND Institute, Genome Center, University of California, Davis, CA USA 95616
| | - Janine LaSalle
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, MIND Institute, Genome Center, University of California, Davis, CA USA 95616
| | - Paul Ashwood
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, MIND Institute, Genome Center, University of California, Davis, CA USA 95616
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