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The Immune Taboo

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The immune system is critically involved in autism. Of course, there are still a lot of questions to answer, particularly whether dysregulation of the immune system is the cause or a consequence of autism among others. But it is not studied enough. This week’s podcast includes new studies that examine the role of the immune system in autism, and outlines the different theories of how the immune system is involved in ASD.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41345879

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0889159125004490?via%3Dihub

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41380-025-03349-7

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41125877

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41386-025-02162-8

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Is Autism Inflammation Nation?

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Several studies have linked the immune system to autism, but how are they connected? Two new studies this week illustrate differences in immune function in those with a diagnosis compared to those without, and also find differences in the blood of of pregnant mothers who go on to have an autistic child. Women who go on to have autistic girls show higher levels and more inflammatory markers than mothers who go on to have boys, the finding of elevated IL1 is now a finding that has been replicated across countries. However, it’s too early to tell if this information can be used to help with a diagnosis and it’s probably not specific to autism. But the message is the same as it was before: getting sick during pregnancy is not great. Get vaccinated! Stay away from sick people and wash your hands.

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35110990/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34987169/