Genetic and Immunologic Considerations in Autism

Authors: Korvatska E.¹; Van de Water J.¹; Anders T.F.²; Gershwin M.E.¹

Source: Neurobiology of Disease, Volume 9, Number 2, March 2002 , pp. 107-125(19)

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Abstract:

According to recent epidemiological surveys, autistic spectrum disorders have become recognized as common childhood psychopathologies. These life-lasting conditions demonstrate a strong genetic determinant consistent with a polygenic mode of inheritance for which several autism susceptibility regions have been identified. Parallel evidence of immune abnormalities in autistic patients argues for an implication of the immune system in pathogenesis. This review summarizes advances in the molecular genetics of autism, as well as recently emerging concerns addressing the disease incidence and triggering factors. The neurochemical and immunologic findings are analyzed in the context of a neuroimmune hypothesis for autism. Studies of disorders with established neuroimmune nature indicate multiple pathways of the pathogenesis; herein, we discuss evidence of similar phenomena in autism. ©2002 Elsevier Science (USA).

Keywords: autism; multigenic traits; viral infection; autoimmunity; neuroimmune pathology

Language: English

Document Type: Review article

Affiliations: 1: Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology 2: Division of Rheumatology, Allergy, and Clinical Immunology, Department of Psychiatry, University of California at Davis, Davis, California, 95616

Publication date: 2002-03-01