Study Suggests Key Link That Could Help Explain Autism Development
A recent study published in The Journal of Immunology highlights a potential link between a mother’s gut microbiota and the development of autism in offspring. Researchers at the University of Virginia found that maternal gut bacteria may influence the baby’s immune and brain development, especially through an inflammatory molecule called IL-17a.
In lab experiments with mice, offspring exposed to microbiota that triggered IL-17a inflammation later developed autism-like behaviors, while those where IL-17a was suppressed showed typical behavior. A fecal transplant confirmed that gut microbes, not genetics, were likely responsible.
While early and based on animal models, the findings suggest maternal gut health could play a role in neurodevelopmental disorders. The team now aims to explore which aspects of the maternal microbiome may be linked to autism in humans.
