In search of cellular immunophenotypes in the blood of children with autism |
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Authors: | Ashwood Paul Corbett Blythe A Kantor Aaron Schulman Howard Van de Water Judy Amaral David G |
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Institution: | Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California Davis, Davis, California, United States of America. |
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Abstract: | BackgroundAutism is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by impairments in
social behavior, communication difficulties and the occurrence of repetitive
or stereotyped behaviors. There has been substantial evidence for
dysregulation of the immune system in autism.MethodsWe evaluated differences in the number and phenotype of circulating blood
cells in young children with autism (n = 70) compared
with age-matched controls (n = 35). Children with a
confirmed diagnosis of autism (4–6 years of age) were further
subdivided into low (IQ<68, n = 35) or high
functioning (IQ≥68, n = 35) groups. Age- and
gender-matched typically developing children constituted the control group.
Six hundred and forty four primary and secondary variables, including cell
counts and the abundance of cell surface antigens, were assessed using
microvolume laser scanning cytometry.ResultsThere were multiple differences in immune cell populations between the autism
and control groups. The absolute number of B cells per volume of blood was
over 20% higher for children with autism and the absolute number of
NK cells was about 40% higher. Neither of these variables showed
significant difference between the low and high functioning autism groups.
While the absolute number of T cells was not different across groups, a
number of cellular activation markers, including HLA-DR and CD26 on T cells,
and CD38 on B cells, were significantly higher in the autism group compared
to controls.ConclusionsThese results support previous findings that immune dysfunction may occur in
some children with autism. Further evaluation of the nature of the
dysfunction and how it may play a role in the etiology of autism or in
facets of autism neuropathology and/or behavior are needed. |
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