VACCINE

Neurotoxicology • May 2008
Immunologic and neurodevelopmental susceptibilities of autism
Author information
Pessah IN1, Seegal RF, Lein PJ, LaSalle J, Yee BK, Van De Water J, Berman RF.
School of Veterinary Medicine, University of California, Davis, CA 95616, USA
inpessah@ucdavis.edu
Abstract
Symposium 5 focused on research approaches that are aimed at understanding common patterns of immunological
and neurological dysfunction contributing to neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism and ADHD. The
session focused on genetic, epigenetic, and environmental factors that might act in concert to influence autism
risk, severity and co-morbidities, and immunological and neurobiological targets as etiologic contributors. The
immune system of children at risk of autism may be therefore especially susceptible to psychological stressors,
exposure to chemical triggers, and infectious agents. Identifying early biomarkers of risk provides tangible approaches
toward designing studies in animals and humans that yield a better understanding of environmental risk
factors, and can help identify rational intervention strategies to mitigate these risks.
Full Report
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2475601/