Autistic children exhibit undetectable hemagglutination-inhibition antibody titers despite previous rubella vaccination

Stubbs, E. Gene

doi:10.1007/bf01543467

Cited by 89 publications

(29 citation statements)

References 8 publications

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“…One of the earliest immune observations seen in ASD was reduced response to recall antigens. 81 Other investigators have seen similar results in response to T-cell mitogens. 82,83 As a central regulator of cell growth and metabolism, the mTOR pathway is intrinsically involved in both T-cell activation and anergy (i.e., a state of unresponsiveness), 84 and hence dysfunction in this pathway could result in the T-cell abnormalities previously seen in ASD.…”

Section: Deficits In Immune and Neurological Signaling Pathwaysmentioning

confidence: 62%

Immune Dysfunction in Autism: A Pathway to Treatment

2010

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Summary: Autism is a complex and clinically heterogeneous disorder with a spectrum of symptoms. Clinicians, schools, and service agencies worldwide have reported a dramatic increase in the number of children identified with autism. Despite expanding research, the etiology and underlying biological processes of autism remain poorly understood, and the relative contribution from genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors remains unclear. Although autism affects primarily brain function (especially affect, social functioning, and cognition), it is unknown to what extent other organs and systems are disrupted. Published findings have identified widespread changes in the immune systems of children with autism, at both systemic and cellular levels. Brain specimens from autism subjects exhibit signs of active, ongoing inflammation, as well as alterations in gene pathways associated with immune signaling and immune function. Moreover, many genetic studies have indicated a link between autism and genes that are relevant to both the nervous system and the immune system. Alterations in these pathways can affect function in both systems. Together, these reports suggest that autism may in fact be a systemic disorder with connections to abnormal immune responses. Such immune system dysfunction may represent novel targets for treatment. A better understanding of the involvement of the immune response in autism, and of how early brain development is altered, may have important therapeutic implications.

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Section: Deficits In Immune and Neurological Signaling Pathwaysmentioning

confidence: 62%

Immune Dysfunction in Autism: A Pathway to Treatment

2010

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“…The hyperproduction of proinflammatory cytokines in autism may be an expression of an underlying autoimmune disorder or a chronic viral infection occurring in autistic subjects. Numerous findings in autism suggest a high incidence of autoimmune alterations and an increased susceptibility to viral infections in the autistic population [34][35][36]. For example, antibodies against myelin basic protein (MBP) and neuron-axon filament protein (NAFP) are frequently found in children with autism [37][38][39][40].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Activation of the Inflammatory Response System in Autism

Croonenberghs¹,

Bosmans²,

Deboutte³

et al. 2002

Neuropsychobiology

278

153

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Background/Aim: There is now some evidence that autism may be accompanied by abnormalities in the inflammatory response system (IRS). Products of the IRS, such as proinflammatory cytokines, may induce some of the behavioral symptoms of autism, such as social withdrawal, resistance to novelty and sleep disturbances. The main aim of the present study was to examine whether autism is accompanied by an activation of the IRS. Methods: We measured the production of interleukin (IL)-6, IL-10, the IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA), interferon (IFN)-γ and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α by whole blood and the serum concentrations of IL-6, the IL-2 receptor (IL-2R) and IL-1RA. Results: This study showed a significantly increased production of IFN-γ and IL-1RA and a trend toward a significantly increased production of IL-6 and TNF-α by whole blood of autistic children. There were no significant differences in the serum concentrations of IL-6, IL-2R and IL-1RA between autistic and normal children. Conclusions: These results suggest that autism may be accompanied by an activation of the monocytic (increased IL-1RA) and Th-1-like (increased IFN-γ) arm of the IRS. It is hypothesized that increased production of proinflammatory cytokines could play a role in the pathophysiology of autism.

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“…34 Ironically, there is evidence that MMR vaccination prevents some cases of autism spectrum disorders through the prevention of CRS. [54][55][56] Even if parents refuse MMR vaccination specifically because of the measles component, no monovalent rubella vaccine is available in the United States. As a result, refusal of measles vaccination is equivalent to refusal of rubella vaccination in the US.…”

Section: Elimination Of Rubella In the United Statesmentioning

confidence: 99%