A recent study has uncovered a potential link between gut bacteria and the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with a particular focus on the mother’s microbiome as a significant factor.
The importance of the gut microbiome in overall health has garnered increasing attention in the scientific community, with findings revealing its influence on everything from immune function to mental health.
Published in The Journal of Immunology
This study used animal models to investigate how maternal gut bacteria might influence the neurological development of offspring. Researchers from the University of Virginia School of Medicine discovered that the mother’s microbiome may play a more substantial role in the child’s autism risk than the child’s own gut bacteria.
“The microbiome can shape the developing brain in multiple ways,” explained lead researcher John Lukens, PhD. “It plays a crucial role in regulating the immune system’s response to infections, injuries, or stress during early development.”
A key player in this process appears to be interleukin-17a (IL-17a), a molecule produced by the immune system. IL-17a, known for its association with autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis, also plays a role in the body’s defense against infections, particularly fungal ones. Importantly, recent studies have shown that IL-17a influences brain development during pregnancy.
Freepik
Experiments on lab mice
To explore the role of IL-17a in autism, researchers conducted experiments using lab mice. They divided the mice into two groups: one with a gut microbiome that induces an inflammatory IL-17a response, and another without this predisposition. When IL-17a was artificially suppressed in both groups during pregnancy, the offspring displayed typical neurodevelopmental behaviors.
However, in the natural course of events, the offspring of the first group—whose microbiome was prone to inflammation—exhibited autism-like traits, including altered social interactions and repetitive behaviors.
To further investigate the role of the microbiome, the researchers performed a fecal transplant from the first group of mice into the second group, effectively transferring the inflammation-prone microbiome. As anticipated, the pups in the second group also developed behaviors resembling autism, reinforcing the significant influence of maternal gut bacteria on neurodevelopment.
While the study was conducted on animals and further research is necessary before drawing definitive conclusions, the findings open a promising direction for future autism research. They suggest that the health of the mother’s gut may play a crucial role in shaping the child’s neurological development.
According to Lukens, the next step is to identify the specific components of the maternal microbiome that are linked to autism, and to investigate whether similar patterns can be observed in humans. “IL-17a may only be a part of a much larger puzzle,” he explained. “There are numerous other immune molecules that require further exploration.”
As research continues, this study contributes to the growing body of evidence indicating that maternal microbiota may play a vital role in autism risk, emphasizing the importance of gut health during pregnancy.
