Alterations of natural killer cells activatory molecules phenotype and function in mothers of ASD children: a pilot study

Early Recognition and Intervention in SIBlingS at High Risk for Neurodevelopment Disorders (ERI-SIBS): a controlled trial of an innovative and ecological intervention for siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder

Background

It has been widely demonstrated that siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have an increased risk of abnormal developmental trajectories. In response to this, early recognition protocols have been developed worldwide, aiming to promote early interventions that can positively impact the neurodevelopment of this population. This paper presents the protocol of a controlled trial: ERI-SIBS (Early Recognition and Intervention in SIBlingS at High Risk for Neurodevelopment Disorders) is an innovative and ecological early recognition and intervention program designed specifically for siblings of children with ASD.

Methods

We aim to recruit siblings at low risk and high risk of neurodevelopmental disorders. Based on clinical evaluation at T0, we will allocate the infants into three groups: Group 1, infants at low risk without any signs of neurodevelopmental disorders; Group 2, infants at high risk without any signs of neurodevelopmental disorders; Group 3: infants at low or high risk with signs suggestive of neurodevelopmental disorders. Children of Group 2 will undergo Active Monitoring (one 90 min session once a month for 6 months), while children of Group 3 will undergo Early Intervention (one 90 min session once a week for 6 months). In both cases, the ERI-SIBS contents are based on a multidimensional and naturalistic approach and always involve caregivers. All recruited children will be evaluated at three different time points (T0 within the 8 months of life of the child, T1 after 6 months and T2 after 12 months) using behavioural, technological, and biological techniques to assess infants' neurodevelopmental functions, parent-infant interaction, and early ASD markers.

Discussion

The ERI-SIBS study will expand knowledge regarding the impact of early intervention on families of infants at risk of neurodevelopmental disorders for the presence of a child with a diagnosis of ASD. The study will have the potential to significantly contribute to future research and the scientific and clinical debate on the best way to implement early intervention in at-risk populations.

Clinical Trial Registration

Clinicaltrials.gov identifier (NCT06512649).

Natural Killer Cells and Cytotoxic T Cells: Complementary Partners against Microorganisms and Cancer

Natural killer (NK) cells and cytotoxic T (CD8+) cells are two of the most important types of immune cells in our body, protecting it from deadly invaders. While the NK cell is part of the innate immune system, the CD8+ cell is one of the major components of adaptive immunity. Still, these two very different types of cells share the most important function of destroying pathogen-infected and tumorous cells by releasing cytotoxic granules that promote proteolytic cleavage of harmful cells, leading to apoptosis. In this review, we look not only at NK and CD8+ T cells but also pay particular attention to their different subpopulations, the immune defenders that include the CD56+CD16dim, CD56dimCD16+, CD57+, and CD57+CD16+ NK cells, the NKT, CD57+CD8+, and KIR+CD8+ T cells, and ILCs. We examine all these cells in relation to their role in the protection of the body against different microorganisms and cancer, with an emphasis on their mechanisms and their clinical importance. Overall, close collaboration between NK cells and CD8+ T cells may play an important role in immune function and disease pathogenesis. The knowledge of how these immune cells interact in defending the body against pathogens and cancers may help us find ways to optimize their defensive and healing capabilities with methods that can be clinically applied.