1
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Kim E, Huh JR, Choi GB. Prenatal and postnatal neuroimmune interactions in neurodevelopmental disorders. Nat Immunol 2024; 25:598-606. [PMID: 38565970 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-024-01797-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024]
Abstract
The intricate relationship between immune dysregulation and neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) has been observed across the stages of both prenatal and postnatal development. In this Review, we provide a comprehensive overview of various maternal immune conditions, ranging from infections to chronic inflammatory conditions, that impact the neurodevelopment of the fetus during pregnancy. Furthermore, we examine the presence of immunological phenotypes, such as immune-related markers and coexisting immunological disorders, in individuals with NDDs. By delving into these findings, we shed light on the potential underlying mechanisms responsible for the high occurrence of immune dysregulation alongside NDDs. We also discuss current mouse models of NDDs and their contributions to our understanding of the immune mechanisms underlying these diseases. Additionally, we discuss how neuroimmune interactions contribute to shaping the manifestation of neurological phenotypes in individuals with NDDs while also exploring potential avenues for mitigating these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunha Kim
- BK21 Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Neuroscience, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jun R Huh
- Department of Immunology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gloria B Choi
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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2
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He J, Gong X, Hu B, Lin L, Lin X, Gong W, Zhang B, Cao M, Xu Y, Xia R, Zheng G, Wu S, Zhang Y. Altered Gut Microbiota and Short-chain Fatty Acids in Chinese Children with Constipated Autism Spectrum Disorder. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19103. [PMID: 37925571 PMCID: PMC10625580 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46566-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal symptoms are more prevalent in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) than in typically developing (TD) children. Constipation is a significant gastrointestinal comorbidity of ASD, but the associations among constipated autism spectrum disorder (C-ASD), microbiota and short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) are still debated. We enrolled 80 children, divided into the C-ASD group (n = 40) and the TD group (n = 40). In this study, an integrated 16S rRNA gene sequencing and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-based metabolomics approach was applied to explore the association of the gut microbiota and SCFAs in C-ASD children in China. The community diversity estimated by the Observe, Chao1, and ACE indices was significantly lower in the C-ASD group than in the TD group. We observed that Ruminococcaceae_UCG_002, Erysipelotrichaceae_UCG_003, Phascolarctobacterium, Megamonas, Ruminiclostridium_5, Parabacteroides, Prevotella_2, Fusobacterium, and Prevotella_9 were enriched in the C-ASD group, and Anaerostipes, Lactobacillus, Ruminococcus_gnavus_group, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, Ralstonia, Eubacterium_eligens_group, and Ruminococcus_1 were enriched in the TD group. The propionate levels, which were higher in the C-ASD group, were negatively correlated with the abundance of Lactobacillus taxa, but were positively correlated with the severity of ASD symptoms. The random forest model, based on the 16 representative discriminant genera, achieved a high accuracy (AUC = 0.924). In conclusion, we found that C-ASD is related to altered gut microbiota and SCFAs, especially decreased abundance of Lactobacillus and excessive propionate in faeces, which provide new clues to understand C-ASD and biomarkers for the diagnosis and potential strategies for treatment of the disorder. This study was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry ( www.chictr.org.cn ; trial registration number ChiCTR2100052106; date of registration: October 17, 2021).
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianquan He
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
- Department of Rehabilitation, School of Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Xiamen Institute of Big Data of TCM Constitution and PreventiveTreatment for Disease, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiuhua Gong
- School of Nursing, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Bing Hu
- Department of Pediatrics, Yichun People's Hospital, Yichun, China
| | - Lin Lin
- Xiamen Institute of Big Data of TCM Constitution and PreventiveTreatment for Disease, Xiamen, China
| | - Xiujuan Lin
- Xiamen Institute of Big Data of TCM Constitution and PreventiveTreatment for Disease, Xiamen, China
| | - Wenxiu Gong
- Xiamen Institute of Big Data of TCM Constitution and PreventiveTreatment for Disease, Xiamen, China
| | | | - Man Cao
- Xiamen Treatgut Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Xiamen, China
| | - Yanzhi Xu
- Xiamen Treatgut Biotechnology Co., Ltd, Xiamen, China
| | - Rongmu Xia
- Clinical Research Institute, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China
| | - Guohua Zheng
- College of Rehabilitation Medicine, Fujian University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fuzhou, China.
- College of Nursing and Health Management, Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, China.
| | - Shuijin Wu
- Xiamen Food and Drug Evaluation and Adverse Reaction Monitoring Center, Xiamen, China.
| | - Yuying Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Weifang People's Hospital, Weifang, China.
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3
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Wang X, Tang R, Wei Z, Zhan Y, Lu J, Li Z. The enteric nervous system deficits in autism spectrum disorder. Front Neurosci 2023; 17:1101071. [PMID: 37694110 PMCID: PMC10484716 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2023.1101071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders are common comorbidities in individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and abnormalities in these issues have been found to be closely related to the severity of core behavioral deficits in autism. The enteric nervous system (ENS) plays a crucial role in regulating various aspects of gut functions, including gastrointestinal motility. Dysfunctional wiring in the ENS not only results in various gastrointestinal issues, but also correlates with an increasing number of central nervous system (CNS) disorders, such as ASD. However, it remains unclear whether the gastrointestinal dysfunctions are a consequence of ASD or if they directly contribute to its pathogenesis. This review focuses on the deficits in the ENS associated with ASD, and highlights several high-risk genes for ASD, which are expressed widely in the gut and implicated in gastrointestinal dysfunction among both animal models and human patients with ASD. Furthermore, we provide a brief overview of environmental factors associated with gastrointestinal tract in individuals with autism. This could offer fresh perspectives on our understanding of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinnian Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
- School of Life Science, USTC Life Sciences and Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Ruijin Tang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhen Wei
- Department of Child Psychiatry and Rehabilitation, Affiliated Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yang Zhan
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Jianping Lu
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Shenzhen Kangning Hospital, Shenzhen Mental Health Center, Shenzhen, China
| | - Zhiling Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Brain Connectome and Manipulation, The Brain Cognition and Brain Disease Institute, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
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4
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Gerasco JE, Hathaway‐Schrader JD, Poulides NA, Carson MD, Okhura N, Westwater C, Hatch NE, Novince CM. Commensal Microbiota Effects on Craniofacial Skeletal Growth and Morphology. JBMR Plus 2023; 7:e10775. [PMID: 37614301 PMCID: PMC10443078 DOI: 10.1002/jbm4.10775] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Microbes colonize anatomical sites in health to form commensal microbial communities (e.g., commensal gut microbiota, commensal skin microbiota, commensal oral microbiota). Commensal microbiota has indirect effects on host growth and maturation through interactions with the host immune system. The commensal microbiota was recently introduced as a novel regulator of skeletal growth and morphology at noncraniofacial sites. Further, we and others have shown that commensal gut microbes, such as segmented filamentous bacteria (SFB), contribute to noncraniofacial skeletal growth and maturation. However, commensal microbiota effects on craniofacial skeletal growth and morphology are unclear. To determine the commensal microbiota's role in craniofacial skeletal growth and morphology, we performed craniometric and bone mineral density analyses on skulls from 9-week-old female C57BL/6T germ-free (GF) mice (no microbes), excluded-flora (EF) specific-pathogen-free mice (commensal microbiota), and murine-pathogen-free (MPF) specific-pathogen-free mice (commensal microbiota with SFB). Investigations comparing EF and GF mice revealed that commensal microbiota impacted the size and shape of the craniofacial skeleton. EF versus GF mice exhibited an elongated gross skull length. Cranial bone length analyses normalized to skull length showed that EF versus GF mice had enhanced frontal bone length and reduced cranial base length. The shortened cranial base in EF mice was attributed to decreased presphenoid, basisphenoid, and basioccipital bone lengths. Investigations comparing MPF mice and EF mice demonstrated that commensal gut microbes played a role in craniofacial skeletal morphology. Cranial bone length analyses normalized to skull length showed that MPF versus EF mice had reduced frontal bone length and increased cranial base length. The elongated cranial base in MPF mice was due to enhanced presphenoid bone length. This work, which introduces the commensal microbiota as a contributor to craniofacial skeletal growth, underscores that noninvasive interventions in the gut microbiome could potentially be employed to modify craniofacial skeletal morphology. © 2023 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joy E. Gerasco
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, College of Dental MedicineMedical University of South CarolinaCharlestonSCUSA
- Department of Stomatology‐Division of Periodontics, College of Dental MedicineMedical University of South CarolinaCharlestonSCUSA
- Department of Pediatrics‐Division of Endocrinology, College of MedicineMedical University of South CarolinaCharlestonSCUSA
- Department of Orthodontics, Adam's School of DentistryUniversity of North CarolinaChapel HillNCUSA
| | - Jessica D. Hathaway‐Schrader
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, College of Dental MedicineMedical University of South CarolinaCharlestonSCUSA
- Department of Stomatology‐Division of Periodontics, College of Dental MedicineMedical University of South CarolinaCharlestonSCUSA
- Department of Pediatrics‐Division of Endocrinology, College of MedicineMedical University of South CarolinaCharlestonSCUSA
| | - Nicole A. Poulides
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, College of Dental MedicineMedical University of South CarolinaCharlestonSCUSA
- Department of Stomatology‐Division of Periodontics, College of Dental MedicineMedical University of South CarolinaCharlestonSCUSA
- Department of Pediatrics‐Division of Endocrinology, College of MedicineMedical University of South CarolinaCharlestonSCUSA
| | - Matthew D. Carson
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, College of Dental MedicineMedical University of South CarolinaCharlestonSCUSA
- Department of Stomatology‐Division of Periodontics, College of Dental MedicineMedical University of South CarolinaCharlestonSCUSA
- Department of Pediatrics‐Division of Endocrinology, College of MedicineMedical University of South CarolinaCharlestonSCUSA
| | - Naoto Okhura
- Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, School of DentistryUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
| | - Caroline Westwater
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, College of Dental MedicineMedical University of South CarolinaCharlestonSCUSA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of MedicineMedical University of South CarolinaCharlestonSCUSA
| | - Nan E. Hatch
- Department of Orthodontics and Pediatric Dentistry, School of DentistryUniversity of MichiganAnn ArborMIUSA
| | - Chad M. Novince
- Department of Oral Health Sciences, College of Dental MedicineMedical University of South CarolinaCharlestonSCUSA
- Department of Stomatology‐Division of Periodontics, College of Dental MedicineMedical University of South CarolinaCharlestonSCUSA
- Department of Pediatrics‐Division of Endocrinology, College of MedicineMedical University of South CarolinaCharlestonSCUSA
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5
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Li Q, Li S, Yao Y, Ma Z, Huang C. MIA mice exhibit enteric nerve defects and are more susceptible to dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis. Brain Behav Immun 2023:S0889-1591(23)00158-7. [PMID: 37315701 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2023.06.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal immune activation (MIA) during pregnancy impairs the development of the central nervous system as well as the peripheral nervous system. Emerging evidence indicates that individuals with MIA suffer more from gastrointestinal disorders. The present study aims to test the hypothesis that MIA-induced susceptibility to inflammatory bowel disease is due to defects in the innervation of mucosal sensory nerves. Acute dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) colitis was induced in MIA and control adult mice. Body weight loss, disease activity index and colonic histological changes were measured during colitis. The study found that MIA mice were hypersusceptible to DSS-induced colitis and that macrophage infiltration and cytokine production were elevated in the colon of MIA mice. In vitro experiments also demonstrated that colonic macrophages from MIA mice presented hyperinflammatory responses to LPS stimulation. Sensory nerve-secreted calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) is an important neuropeptide in modulating enteric inflammation. Intriguingly, we found that CGRP-positive nerves were sparsely distributed in the colon of MIA mice regardless of DSS treatment. And the protein level of CGRP was significantly reduced in colon of MIA mice. However, there was no decrease in the number of CGRP-positive cell bodies in either the DRG or vagal ganglion, suggesting that innervation defects of CGRP mucosal sensory nerves exist in the colon of MIA mice. Critically, administration of recombinant CGRP to MIA mice during DSS colitis significantly reversed their hyperinflammatory pathology. Additionally, the hyperinflammatory phenotype of colonic macrophages of MIA mice could also be reversed by CGRP treatment in vitro. Collectively, these findings suggested that the sensor nerve innervation defect-induced CGRP deficiency in MIA mice participates in their increased susceptibility to colitis. Thus, sensor nerve-secreted CGRP may be a new therapeutic target for autism combined with inflammatory bowel disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Li
- Department of Central Laboratory, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Shuang Li
- Department of Central Laboratory, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yiwei Yao
- Department of Central Laboratory, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhongxiang Ma
- Department of Central Laboratory, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chutian Huang
- Department of Central Laboratory, Shanghai Children's Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai, China
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6
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A snapshot of gut microbiota data from murine models of Autism Spectrum Disorder: Still a blurred picture. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2023; 147:105105. [PMID: 36804416 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2023.105105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2023]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social communication and interaction and repetitive/stereotyped behaviors. In recent years, the role of microbiota-gut-brain axis in ASD pathogenesis received growing attention, appearing as an attractive therapeutic target. We provide a comprehensive overview of changes in microbiota composition in ASD murine models so far identified, and summarize the therapeutic approaches targeting the microbiota on ASD-like neurobehavioral profile. Although alterations in microbiota composition have been observed in both genetic and environmental murine models of ASD, a clear microbiota profile shared by different ASD murine models has not been identified. We documented substantial discrepancies among studies (often within the same model), likely due to several confounding factors (from sex and age of animals to housing conditions). Despite these limitations, ASD animal models (under standardized conditions) remain a useful tool to evaluate (i) the beneficial effects of manipulations of gut microbiota on behavioral abnormalities; (ii) underlying neurobiological mechanisms related to gut-brain axis; and (iii) to identify optimal time windows for therapeutic interventions.
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7
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Cowardin CA, Syed S, Iqbal N, Jamil Z, Sadiq K, Iqbal J, Ali SA, Moore SR. Environmental enteric dysfunction: gut and microbiota adaptation in pregnancy and infancy. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 20:223-237. [PMID: 36526906 PMCID: PMC10065936 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-022-00714-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Environmental enteric dysfunction (EED) is a subclinical syndrome of intestinal inflammation, malabsorption and barrier disruption that is highly prevalent in low- and middle-income countries in which poverty, food insecurity and frequent exposure to enteric pathogens impair growth, immunity and neurodevelopment in children. In this Review, we discuss advances in our understanding of EED, intestinal adaptation and the gut microbiome over the 'first 1,000 days' of life, spanning pregnancy and early childhood. Data on maternal EED are emerging, and they mirror earlier findings of increased risks for preterm birth and fetal growth restriction in mothers with either active inflammatory bowel disease or coeliac disease. The intense metabolic demands of pregnancy and lactation drive gut adaptation, including dramatic changes in the composition, function and mother-to-child transmission of the gut microbiota. We urgently need to elucidate the mechanisms by which EED undermines these critical processes so that we can improve global strategies to prevent and reverse intergenerational cycles of undernutrition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carrie A Cowardin
- Division of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Paediatrics, Child Health Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Sana Syed
- Division of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Paediatrics, Child Health Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Najeeha Iqbal
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Zehra Jamil
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Kamran Sadiq
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Junaid Iqbal
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Syed Asad Ali
- Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, Aga Khan University, Karachi, Pakistan
| | - Sean R Moore
- Division of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Department of Paediatrics, Child Health Research Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.
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8
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Zengeler KE, Shapiro DA, Bruch KR, Lammert CR, Ennerfelt H, Lukens JR. SSRI treatment modifies the effects of maternal inflammation on in utero physiology and offspring neurobiology. Brain Behav Immun 2023; 108:80-97. [PMID: 36343752 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2022.10.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Revised: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 10/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Perturbations to the in utero environment can dramatically change the trajectory of offspring neurodevelopment. Insults commonly encountered in modern human life such as infection, toxins, high-fat diet, prescription medications, and others are increasingly linked to behavioral alterations in prenatally-exposed offspring. While appreciation is expanding for the potential consequence that these triggers can have on embryo development, there is a paucity of information concerning how the crucial maternal-fetal interface (MFI) responds to these various insults and how it may relate to changes in offspring neurodevelopment. Here, we found that the MFI responds both to an inflammatory state and altered serotonergic tone in pregnant mice. Maternal immune activation (MIA) triggered an acute inflammatory response in the MFI dominated by interferon signaling that came at the expense of ordinary development-related transcriptional programs. The major MFI compartments, the decidua and the placenta, each responded in distinct manners to MIA. MFIs exposed to MIA were also found to have disrupted sex-specific gene expression and heightened serotonin levels. We found that offspring exposed to MIA had sex-biased behavioral changes and that microglia were not transcriptionally impacted. Moreover, the combination of maternal inflammation in the presence of pharmacologic inhibition of serotonin reuptake further transformed MFI physiology and offspring neurobiology, impacting immune and serotonin signaling pathways alike. In all, these findings highlight the complexities of evaluating diverse environmental impacts on placental physiology and neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine E Zengeler
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG), Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Training Program, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
| | - Daniel A Shapiro
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG), Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Katherine R Bruch
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG), Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Catherine R Lammert
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG), Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - Hannah Ennerfelt
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG), Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Training Program, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA
| | - John R Lukens
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG), Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Training Program, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
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9
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d'Isa R, Gerlai R. Designing animal-friendly behavioral tests for neuroscience research: The importance of an ethological approach. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 16:1090248. [PMID: 36703720 PMCID: PMC9871504 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.1090248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele d'Isa
- Institute of Experimental Neurology (INSPE), Division of Neuroscience (DNS), IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Robert Gerlai
- Department of Psychology, University of Toronto Mississauga, Mississauga, ON, Canada
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10
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Watanabe S. Infrared thermography for non-invasive measurement of social inequality aversion in rodents and potential usefulness for future animal-friendly studies. Front Behav Neurosci 2023; 17:1131427. [PMID: 36950066 PMCID: PMC10025391 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2023.1131427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Infrared thermography is a method that detects thermal radiation energy and can measure the body surface temperature of animals from a distance. While rectal temperature has traditionally been used to measure animals' core temperature, thermal imaging can avoid the stress and potential rise of body temperature deriving from handling of the animals. Additionally, being non-invasive and contactless, thermal imaging allows free movement of the animals. The validity of this technique as a psychophysiological method has been proven in a series of stress-induced hyperthermia (SIH) studies of mice under social inequality conditions. Restraint in a holder elicits SIH in mice. A restrained mouse surrounded by freely moving cage mates displays increased SIH suggesting that social inequality enhances the stress. Social inequality can be examined also in unrestrained mice, in particular through unequal distribution of food. In this protocol, a food-deprived mouse is given a small piece of cheese, while its cage mate is given a large piece of cheese. This inequity causes SIH, suggesting social inequality aversion in mice. Thus, social inequality in different situations similarly increased SIH. Importantly, in future studies infrared thermography could also be used to evaluate emotional arousal states different from stress (for example to assess reactivity to rewards or in social and sexual preference tests). Moreover, the technique could be used to investigate also cognitive arousal induced by novelty. Indeed, infrared thermography could be a particularly useful tool for animal-friendly studies of cognition and emotion in rodents.
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11
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Bucknor MC, Gururajan A, Dale RC, Hofer MJ. A comprehensive approach to modeling maternal immune activation in rodents. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:1071976. [PMID: 36590294 PMCID: PMC9800799 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.1071976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal brain development is a highly orchestrated process, making it a very vulnerable window to perturbations. Maternal stress and subsequent inflammation during pregnancy leads to a state referred to as, maternal immune activation (MIA). If persistent, MIA can pose as a significant risk factor for the manifestation of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) such as autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. To further elucidate this association between MIA and NDD risk, rodent models have been used extensively across laboratories for many years. However, there are few uniform approaches for rodent MIA models which make not only comparisons between studies difficult, but some established approaches come with limitations that can affect experimental outcomes. Here, we provide researchers with a comprehensive review of common experimental variables and potential limitations that should be considered when designing an MIA study based in a rodent model. Experimental variables discussed include: innate immune stimulation using poly I:C and LPS, environmental gestational stress paradigms, rodent diet composition and sterilization, rodent strain, neonatal handling, and the inclusion of sex-specific MIA offspring analyses. We discuss how some aspects of these variables have potential to make a profound impact on MIA data interpretation and reproducibility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Morgan C. Bucknor
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Anand Gururajan
- The Brain and Mind Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Russell C. Dale
- The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, Kids Neuroscience Centre, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia,The Children’s Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Markus J. Hofer
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Charles Perkins Centre, The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia,*Correspondence: Markus J. Hofer,
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Boktor JC, Adame MD, Rose DR, Schumann CM, Murray KD, Bauman MD, Careaga M, Mazmanian SK, Ashwood P, Needham BD. Global metabolic profiles in a non-human primate model of maternal immune activation: implications for neurodevelopmental disorders. Mol Psychiatry 2022; 27:4959-4973. [PMID: 36028571 PMCID: PMC9772216 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-022-01752-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Epidemiological evidence implicates severe maternal infections as risk factors for neurodevelopmental disorders, such as ASD and schizophrenia. Accordingly, animal models mimicking infection during pregnancy, including the maternal immune activation (MIA) model, result in offspring with neurobiological, behavioral, and metabolic phenotypes relevant to human neurodevelopmental disorders. Most of these studies have been performed in rodents. We sought to better understand the molecular signatures characterizing the MIA model in an organism more closely related to humans, rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta), by evaluating changes in global metabolic profiles in MIA-exposed offspring. Herein, we present the global metabolome in six peripheral tissues (plasma, cerebrospinal fluid, three regions of intestinal mucosa scrapings, and feces) from 13 MIA and 10 control offspring that were confirmed to display atypical neurodevelopment, elevated immune profiles, and neuropathology. Differences in lipid, amino acid, and nucleotide metabolism discriminated these MIA and control samples, with correlations of specific metabolites to behavior scores as well as to cytokine levels in plasma, intestinal, and brain tissues. We also observed modest changes in fecal and intestinal microbial profiles, and identify differential metabolomic profiles within males and females. These findings support a connection between maternal immune activation and the metabolism, microbiota, and behavioral traits of offspring, and may further the translational applications of the MIA model and the advancement of biomarkers for neurodevelopmental disorders such as ASD or schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph C Boktor
- Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Mark D Adame
- Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Destanie R Rose
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
- The M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Cynthia M Schumann
- The M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Karl D Murray
- The M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Melissa D Bauman
- The M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Milo Careaga
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA
- The M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA
| | - Sarkis K Mazmanian
- Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, 91125, USA
| | - Paul Ashwood
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, 95616, USA.
- The M.I.N.D. Institute, University of California, Davis, Sacramento, CA, 95817, USA.
| | - Brittany D Needham
- Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology & Physiology, Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN, 46202, USA.
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13
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Javanmehr N, Saleki K, Alijanizadeh P, Rezaei N. Microglia dynamics in aging-related neurobehavioral and neuroinflammatory diseases. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:273. [PMID: 36397116 PMCID: PMC9669544 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02637-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Microglia represent the first line of immune feedback in the brain. Beyond immune surveillance, they are essential for maintaining brain homeostasis. Recent research has revealed the microglial cells' spatiotemporal heterogeneity based on their local and time-based functions in brain trauma or disease when homeostasis is disrupted. Distinct "microglial signatures" have been recorded in physiological states and brain injuries, with discrete or sometimes overlapping pro- and anti-inflammatory functions. Microglia are involved in the neurological repair processes, such as neurovascular unit restoration and synaptic plasticity, and manage the extent of the damage due to their phenotype switching. The versatility of cellular phenotypes beyond the classical M1/M2 classification, as well as the double-edge actions of microglia in neurodegeneration, indicate the need for further exploration of microglial cell dynamics and their contribution to neurodegenerative processes. This review discusses the homeostatic functions of different microglial subsets focusing on neuropathological conditions. Also, we address the feasibility of targeting microglia as a therapeutic strategy in neurodegenerative diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nima Javanmehr
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
- USERN Office, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Kiarash Saleki
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
- USERN Office, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Parsa Alijanizadeh
- Student Research Committee, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
- USERN Office, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
| | - Nima Rezaei
- Research Center for Immunodeficiencies, Children's Medical Center Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Dr. Qarib St, Keshavarz Blvd, Tehran, 14194, Iran.
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy and Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education and Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
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14
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Otero AM, Antonson AM. At the crux of maternal immune activation: Viruses, microglia, microbes, and IL-17A. Immunol Rev 2022; 311:205-223. [PMID: 35979731 PMCID: PMC9804202 DOI: 10.1111/imr.13125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Inflammation during prenatal development can be detrimental to neurodevelopmental processes, increasing the risk of neuropsychiatric disorders. Prenatal exposure to maternal viral infection during pregnancy is a leading environmental risk factor for manifestation of these disorders. Preclinical animal models of maternal immune activation (MIA), established to investigate this link, have revealed common immune and microbial signaling pathways that link mother and fetus and set the tone for prenatal neurodevelopment. In particular, maternal intestinal T helper 17 cells, educated by endogenous microbes, appear to be key drivers of effector IL-17A signals capable of reaching the fetal brain and causing neuropathologies. Fetal microglial cells are particularly sensitive to maternally derived inflammatory and microbial signals, and they shift their functional phenotype in response to MIA. Resulting cortical malformations and miswired interneuron circuits cause aberrant offspring behaviors that recapitulate core symptoms of human neurodevelopmental disorders. Still, the popular use of "sterile" immunostimulants to initiate MIA has limited translation to the clinic, as these stimulants fail to capture biologically relevant innate and adaptive inflammatory sequelae induced by live pathogen infection. Thus, there is a need for more translatable MIA models, with a focus on relevant pathogens like seasonal influenza viruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley M. Otero
- Neuroscience ProgramUniversity of Illinois Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIllinoisUSA
| | - Adrienne M. Antonson
- Department of Animal SciencesUniversity of Illinois Urbana‐ChampaignUrbanaIllinoisUSA
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15
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Angrand L, Masson JD, Rubio-Casillas A, Nosten-Bertrand M, Crépeaux G. Inflammation and Autophagy: A Convergent Point between Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)-Related Genetic and Environmental Factors: Focus on Aluminum Adjuvants. TOXICS 2022; 10:toxics10090518. [PMID: 36136483 PMCID: PMC9502677 DOI: 10.3390/toxics10090518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), schizophrenia, and bipolar disorder are genetically complex and heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) resulting from genetic factors and gene-environment (GxE) interactions for which onset occurs in early brain development. Recent progress highlights the link between ASD and (i) immunogenetics, neurodevelopment, and inflammation, and (ii) impairments of autophagy, a crucial neurodevelopmental process involved in synaptic pruning. Among various environmental factors causing risk for ASD, aluminum (Al)-containing vaccines injected during critical periods have received special attention and triggered relevant scientific questions. The aim of this review is to discuss the current knowledge on the role of early inflammation, immune and autophagy dysfunction in ASD as well as preclinical studies which question Al adjuvant impacts on brain and immune maturation. We highlight the most recent breakthroughs and the lack of epidemiological, pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic data constituting a "scientific gap". We propose additional research, such as genetic studies that could contribute to identify populations at genetic risk, improving diagnosis, and potentially the development of new therapeutic tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loïc Angrand
- Univ Paris Est Créteil, INSERM, IMRB, F-94010 Créteil, France; (L.A.); (J.-D.M.)
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort IMRB, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
- INSERM UMR-S 1270, 75005 Paris, France;
- Sorbonne Université, Campus Pierre et Marie Curie, 75005 Paris, France
- Institut du Fer à Moulin, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Jean-Daniel Masson
- Univ Paris Est Créteil, INSERM, IMRB, F-94010 Créteil, France; (L.A.); (J.-D.M.)
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort IMRB, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
| | - Alberto Rubio-Casillas
- Biology Laboratory, Autlán Regional Preparatory School, University of Guadalajara, Autlán 48900, Jalisco, Mexico;
- Autlán Regional Hospital, Health Secretariat, Autlán 48900, Jalisco, Mexico
| | - Marika Nosten-Bertrand
- INSERM UMR-S 1270, 75005 Paris, France;
- Sorbonne Université, Campus Pierre et Marie Curie, 75005 Paris, France
- Institut du Fer à Moulin, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Guillemette Crépeaux
- Univ Paris Est Créteil, INSERM, IMRB, F-94010 Créteil, France; (L.A.); (J.-D.M.)
- Ecole Nationale Vétérinaire d’Alfort IMRB, F-94700 Maisons-Alfort, France
- Correspondence:
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16
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Lim S, Lee S. Chemical Modulators for Targeting Autism Spectrum Disorders: From Bench to Clinic. Molecules 2022; 27:molecules27165088. [PMID: 36014340 PMCID: PMC9414776 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27165088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders characterized by diverse behavioral symptoms such as repetitive behaviors, social deficits, anxiety, hyperactivity, and irritability. Despite their increasing incidence, the specific pathological mechanisms of ASD are still unknown, and the degree and types of symptoms that vary from patient to patient make it difficult to develop drugs that target the core symptoms of ASD. Although various atypical antipsychotics and antidepressants have been applied to regulate ASD symptoms, these drugs can only alleviate the symptoms and do not target the major causes. Therefore, development of novel drugs targeting factors directly related to the onset of ASD is required. Among the various factors related to the onset of ASD, several chemical modulators to treat ASD, focused on serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT) and glutamate receptors, microbial metabolites, and inflammatory cytokines, are explored in this study. In particular, we focus on the chemical drugs that have improved various aspects of ASD symptoms in animal models and in clinical trials for various ages of patients with ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Songhyun Lim
- Creative Research Center for Brain Science, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Korea
| | - Sanghee Lee
- Creative Research Center for Brain Science, Brain Science Institute, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, Seoul 02792, Korea
- Department of HY-KIST Bio-Convergence, Hanyang University, Seoul 04763, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-2-958-5138
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17
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Haddad FL, Patel SV, Doornaert EE, De Oliveira C, Allman BL, Baines KJ, Renaud SJ, Schmid S. Interleukin 15 modulates the effects of poly I:C maternal immune activation on offspring behaviour. Brain Behav Immun Health 2022; 23:100473. [PMID: 35668725 PMCID: PMC9166394 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2022.100473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal infections during pregnancy are linked with an increased risk for disorders like Autism Spectrum Disorder and schizophrenia in the offspring. Although precise mechanisms are still unclear, clinical and preclinical evidence suggest a strong role for maternal immune activation (MIA) in the neurodevelopmental disruptions caused by maternal infection. Previously, studies using the Polyinosinic:Polycytidylic (Poly I:C) MIA preclinical model showed that cytokines like Interleukin 6 (Il6) are important mediators of MIA's effects. In this study, we hypothesized that Il15 may similarly act as a mediator of Poly I:C MIA, given its role in the antiviral immune response. To test this hypothesis, we induced Poly I:C MIA at gestational day 9.5 in wildtype (WT) and Il15−/− rat dams and tested their offspring in adolescence and adulthood. Poly I:C MIA and Il15 knockout produced both independent and synergistic effects on offspring behaviour. Poly I:C MIA decreased startle reactivity in adult WT offspring but resulted in increased adolescent anxiety and decreased adult locomotor activity in Il15−/− offspring. In addition, Poly I:C MIA led to genotype-independent effects on locomotor activity and prepulse inhibition. Finally, we showed that Il15−/− offspring exhibit distinct phenotypes that were unrelated to Poly I:C MIA including altered startle reactivity, locomotion and signal transduction in the auditory brainstem. Overall, our findings indicate that the lack of Il15 can leave offspring either more or less susceptible to Poly I:C MIA, depending on the phenotype in question. Future studies should examine the contribution of fetal versus maternal Il15 in MIA to determine the precise developmental mechanisms underlying these changes. Poly I:C MIA decreases startle reactivity in adult WT but not Il15−/− offspring. Il15−/− offspring exposed to Poly I:C MIA show altered PPI and open field exploration. Il15−/− rats exhibit distinct behavioural phenotypes independent from MIA.
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18
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Abstract
Mounting evidence indicates that microglia, which are the resident immune cells of the brain, play critical roles in a diverse array of neurodevelopmental processes required for proper brain maturation and function. This evidence has ultimately led to growing speculation that microglial dysfunction may play a role in neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) pathoetiology. In this review, we first provide an overview of how microglia mechanistically contribute to the sculpting of the developing brain and neuronal circuits. To provide an example of how disruption of microglial biology impacts NDD development, we also highlight emerging evidence that has linked microglial dysregulation to autism spectrum disorder pathogenesis. In recent years, there has been increasing interest in how the gut microbiome shapes microglial biology. In the last section of this review, we put a spotlight on this burgeoning area of microglial research and discuss how microbiota-dependent modulation of microglial biology is currently thought to influence NDD progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- John R Lukens
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA;
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
| | - Ukpong B Eyo
- Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA;
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
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19
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Thawley AJ, Veneziani LP, Rabelo-da-Ponte FD, Riederer I, Mendes-da-Cruz DA, Bambini-Junior V. Aberrant IL-17 Levels in Rodent Models of Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Systematic Review. Front Immunol 2022; 13:874064. [PMID: 35757754 PMCID: PMC9226456 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.874064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder characterised by stereotyped behaviours, specific interests, and impaired communication skills. Elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-17A (IL-17A or IL-17), have been implicated as part of immune alterations that may contribute to this outcome. In this context, rodent models have helped elucidate the role of T-cell activation and IL-17 secretion in the pathogenesis of ASD. Regarding the preclinical findings, the data available is contradictory in offspring but not in the pregnant dams, pointing to IL-17 as one of the main drivers of altered behaviour in some models ASD, whilst there are no alterations described in IL-17 levels in others. To address this gap in the literature, a systematic review of altered IL-17 levels in rodent models of ASD was conducted. In total, 28 studies that explored IL-17 levels were included and observed that this cytokine was generally increased among the different models of ASD. The data compiled in this review can help the choice of animal models to study the role of cytokines in the development of ASD, seeking a parallel with immune alterations observed in individuals with this condition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Jade Thawley
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, United Kingdom
| | - Luciana Peixoto Veneziani
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, United Kingdom.,Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation (RENEURIN), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Francisco Diego Rabelo-da-Ponte
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, United Kingdom.,Laboratory of Molecular Psychiatry, Centro de Pesquisa Experimental (CPE) and Centro de Pesquisa Clínica (CPC), Hospital de Clínicas de Porto Alegre (HCPA), Porto Alegre (RS), Brazil
| | - Ingo Riederer
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, United Kingdom.,Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation (RENEURIN), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Daniella Areas Mendes-da-Cruz
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, United Kingdom.,Laboratory on Thymus Research, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Rio de Janeiro Research Network on Neuroinflammation (RENEURIN), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Victorio Bambini-Junior
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Lancashire, Preston, United Kingdom.,National Institute of Science and Technology on Neuroimmunomodulation (INCT-NIM), Oswaldo Cruz Institute, Oswaldo Cruz Foundation, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.,Division of Biomedical and Life Sciences, Faculty of Health and Medicine, Lancaster University, Lancaster, United Kingdom
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20
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Yang X, Tang T, Li M, Chen J, Li T, Dai Y, Cheng Q. Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor May Be Involved in the Behavioral Changes of Progeny Rats after Exposure to Ceftriaxone Sodium during Pregnancy. J Microbiol Biotechnol 2022; 32:699-708. [PMID: 35484974 PMCID: PMC9628893 DOI: 10.4014/jmb.2111.11048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Antibiotic exposure during pregnancy have an adversely effects on offspring behavior and development. However, its mechanism is still poorly understood. To uncover this, we added ceftriaxone sodium to the drinking water of rats during pregnancy and conducted three-chamber sociability test, open-field test, and Morris water maze test in 3- and 6-week-old offspring. The antibiotic group offspring showed lower sociability and spatial learning and memory than control. To determine the role of the gut microbiota and their metabolites in the changes in offspring behavior, fecal samples of 6-week-old offspring rats were sequenced. The composition of dominant gut microbial taxa differed between the control and antibiotic groups. KEGG pathway analysis showed that S24-7 exerted its effects through the metabolic pathways including mineral absorption, protein digestion and absorption, Valine, leucine, and isoleucine biosynthesis. Correlation analysis showed that S24-7 abundance was negatively correlated with the level of VEGF, and metabolites associated with S24-7-including 3-aminobutanoic acid, dacarbazine, L-leucine, 3-ketosphinganine, 1-methylnicotinamide, and N-acetyl-L-glutamate-were also significantly correlated with VEGF levels. The findings suggest that antibiotic exposure during pregnancy, specifically ceftriaxone sodium, will adversely affects the behavior of offspring rats due to the imbalance of gut microbiota, especially S24-7, via VEGF and various metabolic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Yang
- Department of Primary Child Health Care, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, P.R. China,Department of Pediatrics, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Ting Tang
- Department of Primary Child Health Care, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, P.R. China
| | - Mengchun Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Jie Chen
- Department of Pediatrics, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, P.R. China
| | - Tingyu Li
- Department of Primary Child Health Care, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, P.R. China
| | - Ying Dai
- Department of Primary Child Health Care, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, P.R. China,Corresponding authors Y. Dai Phone: +023-6196-6253 Fax: +023-63663-1734 E-mail:
| | - Qian Cheng
- Department of Primary Child Health Care, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400014, P.R. China,
Q. Cheng Phone: +023-6196-6252 Fax: +023-6363-1734 E-mail:
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21
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Kim A, Zisman CR, Holingue C. Influences of the Immune System and Microbiome on the Etiology of ASD and GI Symptomology of Autistic Individuals. Curr Top Behav Neurosci 2022; 61:141-161. [PMID: 35711026 DOI: 10.1007/7854_2022_371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder is a developmental condition associated with impairments in communication and social interactions, and repetitive and restricted behavior or interests. Autistic individuals are more likely to experience gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms than neurotypical individuals. This may be partially due to dysbiosis of the gut microbiome. In this article, we describe the interaction of the microbiome and immune system on autism etiology. We also summarize the links between the microbiome and gastrointestinal and related symptoms among autistic individuals. We report that microbial interventions, including diet, probiotics, antibiotics, and fecal transplants, and immune-modulating therapies such as cytokine blockade during the preconception, pregnancy, and postnatal period may impact the neurodevelopment, behavior, and gastrointestinal health of autistic individuals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda Kim
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Corina R Zisman
- Department of Psychology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Calliope Holingue
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Center for Autism and Related Disorders, Kennedy Krieger Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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22
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Sittipo P, Choi J, Lee S, Lee YK. The function of gut microbiota in immune-related neurological disorders: a review. J Neuroinflammation 2022; 19:154. [PMID: 35706008 PMCID: PMC9199126 DOI: 10.1186/s12974-022-02510-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This review provides an overview of the importance of microbiota in the regulation of gut–brain communication in immune-related neurological disorders. The gastrointestinal (GI) tract hosts a diverse abundance of microbiota, referred to as gut microbiota. The gut microbiota plays a role in the maintenance of GI tract homeostasis and is likely to have multiple effects on brain development and function. The bidirectional communication between the gut microbiota and the brain is termed the microbiota–gut–brain axis. This communication between the intestine and the brain appears to affect human health and behavior, as certain animal studies have demonstrated the association between alterations in the gut microbiota and neurological disorders. Most insights about the microbiota–gut–brain axis come from germ-free animal models, which reveal the importance of gut microbiota in neural function. To date, many studies have observed the impact of the gut microbiota in patients with neurological disorders. Although many studies have investigated the microbiota–gut–brain axis, there are still limitations in translating this research to humans given the complexities of the relationship between the gut microbiota and the brain. In this review, we discuss emerging evidence of how the microbiota–gut–brain axis regulates brain development and function through biological networks, as well as the possible contribution of the microbiota–gut–brain axis in immune-related neurological disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panida Sittipo
- Department of Integrated Biomedical Science, Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-Bio Science, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan, 31151, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaeyoon Choi
- Department of Integrated Biomedical Science, Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-Bio Science, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan, 31151, Republic of Korea
| | - Soojin Lee
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Biology, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, 34134, Republic of Korea.
| | - Yun Kyung Lee
- Department of Integrated Biomedical Science, Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-Bio Science, Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan, 31151, Republic of Korea.
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23
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Rivet-Noor CR, Merchak AR, Li S, Beiter RM, Lee S, Thomas JA, Fernández-Castañeda A, Shin JB, Gaultier A. Stress-induced despair behavior develops independently of the Ahr-RORγt axis in CD4 + cells. Sci Rep 2022; 12:8594. [PMID: 35597802 PMCID: PMC9124178 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-12464-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2021] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Current treatments for major depressive disorder are limited to neuropharmacological approaches and are ineffective for large numbers of patients. Recently, alternative means have been explored to understand the etiology of depression. Specifically, changes in the microbiome and immune system have been observed in both clinical settings and in mouse models. As such, microbial supplements and probiotics have become a target for potential therapeutics. A current hypothesis for the mechanism of action of these supplements is via the aryl hydrocarbon receptor's (Ahr) modulation of the T helper 17 cell (Th17) and T regulatory cell axis. As inflammatory RORγt + CD4 + Th17 T cells and their primary cytokine IL-17 have been implicated in the development of stress-induced depression, the connection between stress, the Ahr, Th17s and depression remains critical to understanding mood disorders. Here, we utilize genetic knockouts to examine the role of the microbial sensor Ahr in the development of stressinduced despair behavior. We observe an Ahr-independent increase in gut-associated Th17s in stressed mice, indicating that the Ahr is not responsible for this communication. Further, we utilized a CD4-specific RAR Related Orphan Receptor C (Rorc) knockout line to disrupt the production of Th17s. Mice lacking Rorc-produced IL-17 did not show any differences in behavior before or after stress when compared to controls. Finally, we utilize an unsupervised machine learning system to examine minute differences in behavior that could not be observed by traditional behavioral assays. Our data demonstrate that neither CD4 specific Ahr nor Rorc are necessary for the development of stress-induced anxiety- or depressive-like behaviors. These data suggest that research approaches should focus on other sources or sites of IL-17 production in stress-induced depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Courtney R. Rivet-Noor
- grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XCenter for Brain Immunology and Glia, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA ,grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XDepartment of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA ,grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XGraduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA
| | - Andrea R. Merchak
- grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XCenter for Brain Immunology and Glia, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA ,grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XDepartment of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA ,grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XGraduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA
| | - Sihan Li
- grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XDepartment of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA ,grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XGraduate Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA
| | - Rebecca M. Beiter
- grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XCenter for Brain Immunology and Glia, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA ,grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XDepartment of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA ,grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XGraduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA
| | - Sangwoo Lee
- grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XUndergraduate Department of Computer Science, University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science, Charlottesville, VA 22904 USA
| | - Jalon Aaron Thomas
- grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XUndergraduate Department of Computer Science, University of Virginia School of Engineering and Applied Science, Charlottesville, VA 22904 USA
| | - Anthony Fernández-Castañeda
- grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XCenter for Brain Immunology and Glia, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA ,grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XDepartment of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA ,grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XGraduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA
| | - Jung-Bum Shin
- grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XDepartment of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA ,grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XGraduate Program in Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA
| | - Alban Gaultier
- grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XCenter for Brain Immunology and Glia, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA ,grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XDepartment of Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA ,grid.27755.320000 0000 9136 933XGraduate Program in Neuroscience, University of Virginia School of Medicine, Charlottesville, VA 22908 USA
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24
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Antibiotic Treatment during Pregnancy Alters Offspring Gut Microbiota in a Sex-Dependent Manner. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10051042. [PMID: 35625778 PMCID: PMC9138679 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10051042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the effect of antibiotics administered to pregnant dams on offspring gut microbiome composition and metabolic capabilities, and how these changes in the microbiota may influence their immune responses in both the periphery and the brain. We orally administered a broad-spectrum antibiotic (ABX) cocktail consisting of vancomycin 0.5 mg/mL, ampicillin 1 mg/mL, and neomycin 1 mg/mL to pregnant dams during late gestation through birth. Bacterial DNA was extracted from offspring fecal samples, and 16S ribosomal RNA gene was sequenced by Illumina, followed by analysis of gut microbiota composition and PICRUSt prediction. Serum and brain tissue cytokine levels were analyzed by Luminex. Our results indicate that the ABX-cocktail led to significant diversity and taxonomic changes to the offspring's gut microbiome. In addition, the predicted KEGG and MetaCyc pathways were significantly altered in the offspring. Finally, there were decreased innate inflammatory cytokines and chemokines and interleukin (IL)-17 seen in the brains of ABX-cocktail offspring in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) immune challenge. Our results suggest that maternal ABX can produce long-lasting effects on the gut microbiome and neuroimmune responses of offspring. These findings support the role of the early microbiome in the development of offspring gastrointestinal and immune systems.
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25
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Gomes AKS, Dantas RM, Yokota BY, Silva ALTE, Griesi-Oliveira K, Passos-Bueno MR, Sertié AL. Interleukin-17a Induces Neuronal Differentiation of Induced-Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Neural Progenitors From Autistic and Control Subjects. Front Neurosci 2022; 16:828646. [PMID: 35360153 PMCID: PMC8964130 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2022.828646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to maternal immune activation (MIA) has been suggested to increase the probability of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Recent evidence from animal studies indicates a key role for interleukin-17a (IL-17a) in promoting MIA-induced behavioral and brain abnormalities reminiscent of ASD. However, it is still unclear how IL-17a acts on the human developing brain and the cell types directly affected by IL-17a signaling. In this study, we used iPSC-derived neural progenitor cells (NPCs) from individuals with ASD of known and unknown genetic cause as well as from neurotypical controls to examine the effects of exogenous IL-17a on NPC proliferation, migration and neuronal differentiation, and whether IL-17a and genetic risk factors for ASD interact exacerbating alterations in NPC function. We observed that ASD and control NPCs endogenously express IL-17a receptor (IL17RA), and that IL-17a/IL17RA activation modulates downstream ERK1/2 and mTORC1 signaling pathways. Exogenous IL-17a did not induce abnormal proliferation and migration of ASD and control NPCs but, on the other hand, it significantly increased the expression of synaptic (Synaptophysin-1, Synapsin-1) and neuronal polarity (MAP2) proteins in these cells. Also, as we observed that ASD and control NPCs exhibited similar responses to exogenous IL-17a, it is possible that a more inflammatory environment containing other immune molecules besides IL-17a may be needed to trigger gene-environment interactions during neurodevelopment. In conclusion, our results suggest that exogenous IL-17a positively regulates the neuronal differentiation of human NPCs, which may disturb normal neuronal and synaptic development and contribute to MIA-related changes in brain function and behavior.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Bruno Yukio Yokota
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Centro de Pesquisa Experimental, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | | | - Maria Rita Passos-Bueno
- Centro de Estudos do Genoma Humano e Células Tronco, Instituto de Biociências, Universidade de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andréa Laurato Sertié
- Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, Centro de Pesquisa Experimental, São Paulo, Brazil
- *Correspondence: Andréa Laurato Sertié,
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26
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Kwon HK, Choi GB, Huh JR. Maternal inflammation and its ramifications on fetal neurodevelopment. Trends Immunol 2022; 43:230-244. [PMID: 35131181 PMCID: PMC9005201 DOI: 10.1016/j.it.2022.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 01/06/2022] [Accepted: 01/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Exposure to heightened inflammation in pregnancy caused by infections or other inflammatory insults has been associated with the onset of neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders in children. Rodent models have provided unique insights into how this maternal immune activation (MIA) disrupts brain development. Here, we discuss the key immune factors involved, highlight recent advances in determining the molecular and cellular pathways of MIA, and review how the maternal immune system affects fetal development. We also examine the roles of microbiomes in shaping maternal immune function and the development of autism-like phenotypes. A comprehensive understanding of the gut bacteria-immune-neuro interaction in MIA is essential for developing diagnostic and therapeutic measures for high-risk pregnant women and identifying targets for treating inflammation-induced neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho-Keun Kwon
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Institute for Immunology and Immunological Diseases and Brain Korea 21 PLUS Project for Medical Sciences, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea; Pohang University of Science and Technology, Pohang, Korea.
| | - Gloria B. Choi
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Jun R. Huh
- Department of Immunology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.,Correspondence: Ho-Keun Kwon () and Jun R. Huh ()
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27
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Kim E, Paik D, Ramirez RN, Biggs DG, Park Y, Kwon HK, Choi GB, Huh JR. Maternal gut bacteria drive intestinal inflammation in offspring with neurodevelopmental disorders by altering the chromatin landscape of CD4 + T cells. Immunity 2022; 55:145-158.e7. [PMID: 34879222 PMCID: PMC8755621 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2021.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2021] [Revised: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Children with autism spectrum disorders often display dysregulated immune responses and related gastrointestinal symptoms. However, the underlying mechanisms leading to the development of both phenotypes have not been elucidated. Here, we show that mouse offspring exhibiting autism-like phenotypes due to prenatal exposure to maternal inflammation were more susceptible to developing intestinal inflammation following challenges later in life. In contrast to its prenatal role in neurodevelopmental phenotypes, interleukin-17A (IL-17A) generated immune-primed phenotypes in offspring through changes in the maternal gut microbiota that led to postnatal alterations in the chromatin landscape of naive CD4+ T cells. The transfer of stool samples from pregnant mice with enhanced IL-17A responses into germ-free dams produced immune-primed phenotypes in offspring. Our study provides mechanistic insights into why children exposed to heightened inflammation in the womb might have an increased risk of developing inflammatory diseases in addition to neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunha Kim
- Department of Immunology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Donggi Paik
- Department of Immunology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ricardo N Ramirez
- Department of Immunology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Delaney G Biggs
- Department of Immunology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Youngjun Park
- Department of Immunology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ho-Keun Kwon
- Department of Immunology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Gloria B Choi
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
| | - Jun R Huh
- Department of Immunology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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28
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Zengeler KE, Lukens JR. Maternal inflammation is hard for offspring to stomach. Immunity 2022; 55:6-8. [PMID: 35021058 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2021.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders often experience comorbid gastrointestinal distress and dysregulated immune responses, yet the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this issue of Immunity, Kim et al. utilize a murine maternal immune activation model of autism and find that inflammation can alter the microbiota of mothers, which postnatally primes offspring CD4+ T cells and increases susceptibility to intestinal inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine E Zengeler
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG), Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Cell and Molecular Biology Training Program, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
| | - John R Lukens
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG), Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA; Cell and Molecular Biology Training Program, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA 22908, USA.
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29
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Sato A, Kotajima-Murakami H, Tanaka M, Katoh Y, Ikeda K. Influence of Prenatal Drug Exposure, Maternal Inflammation, and Parental Aging on the Development of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:821455. [PMID: 35222122 PMCID: PMC8863673 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.821455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) affects reciprocal social interaction and produces abnormal repetitive, restrictive behaviors and interests. The diverse causes of ASD are divided into genetic alterations and environmental risks. The prevalence of ASD has been rising for several decades, which might be related to environmental risks as it is difficult to consider that the prevalence of genetic disorders related to ASD would increase suddenly. The latter includes (1) exposure to medications, such as valproic acid (VPA) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (2), maternal complications during pregnancy, including infection and hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, and (3) high parental age. Epidemiological studies have indicated a pathogenetic role of prenatal exposure to VPA and maternal inflammation in the development of ASD. VPA is considered to exert its deleterious effects on the fetal brain through several distinct mechanisms, such as alterations of γ-aminobutyric acid signaling, the inhibition of histone deacetylase, the disruption of folic acid metabolism, and the activation of mammalian target of rapamycin. Maternal inflammation that is caused by different stimuli converges on a higher load of proinflammatory cytokines in the fetal brain. Rodent models of maternal exposure to SSRIs generate ASD-like behavior in offspring, but clinical correlations with these preclinical findings are inconclusive. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and advanced parental age increase the risk of ASD in humans, but the mechanisms have been poorly investigated in animal models. Evidence of the mechanisms by which environmental factors are related to ASD is discussed, which may contribute to the development of preventive and therapeutic interventions for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atsushi Sato
- Department of Pediatrics, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Tokyo, Japan.,Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Miho Tanaka
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Psychiatry, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshihisa Katoh
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazutaka Ikeda
- Addictive Substance Project, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Tokyo, Japan
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30
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Natale NR, Kent M, Fox N, Vavra D, Lambert K. Neurobiological effects of a probiotic-supplemented diet in chronically stressed male Long-Evans rats: Evidence of enhanced resilience. IBRO Neurosci Rep 2021; 11:207-215. [PMID: 34849506 PMCID: PMC8607205 DOI: 10.1016/j.ibneur.2021.10.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Probiotics that regulate the microbiome-gut-brain axis and provide mental health benefits to the host are referred to as psychobiotics. Preclinical studies have demonstrated psychobiotic effects on early life stress-induced anxiety- and depression-related behavior in rodents; however, the specific mechanisms remain ill-defined. In the current study, we investigated the effects of probiotic supplementation on neurobiological responses to chronic stress in adult male Long-Evans rats. Twenty-four rats were randomly assigned to probiotic (PB) or vehicle control (VEH) groups, then to either chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) or no-stress control (CON) conditions within each group (n = 6/subgroup). We hypothesized that PB supplementation would reduce markers of anxiety and enhance emotional resilience, especially in the CUS animals. In the cognitive uncertainty task, a nonsignificant trend was observed indicating that the PB-supplemented animals spent more time oriented toward the food reward than VEH animals. In the open-field task, CUS-PB animals spent more time in the center of the arena than CUS-VEH animals, an effect not observed between the two CON groups. In the swim task, the PB animals, regardless of stress assignment, exhibited increased floating, suggesting a conserved response in a challenging context. Focusing on the endocrine measures, higher dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)-to-corticosterone fecal metabolite ratios, a correlate of emotional resilience, were observed in PB animals. Further, PB animals exhibited reduced microglia immunoreactivity in the basolateral amygdala, possibly indicating a neuroprotective effect of PB supplements in this rodent model. These results provide evidence that PB supplementation interacts with stress exposure to influence adaptive responses associated with endocrine, neural, and behavioral indices of anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nick R. Natale
- Dept of Psychology, University of Richmond, VA 23173, USA
| | - Molly Kent
- Dept of Biology, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington, VA 24450, USA
| | - Nathan Fox
- Dept of Psychology, University of Richmond, VA 23173, USA
| | - Dylan Vavra
- Dept of Psychology, University of Richmond, VA 23173, USA
| | - Kelly Lambert
- Dept of Psychology, University of Richmond, VA 23173, USA
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31
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Li YQ, Sun YH, Liang YP, Zhou F, Yang J, Jin SL. Effect of probiotics combined with applied behavior analysis in the treatment of children with autism spectrum disorder: a prospective randomized controlled trial. ZHONGGUO DANG DAI ER KE ZA ZHI = CHINESE JOURNAL OF CONTEMPORARY PEDIATRICS 2021; 23:1103-1110. [PMID: 34753541 PMCID: PMC8580031 DOI: 10.7499/j.issn.1008-8830.2108085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To study the effect of probiotics combined with applied behavior analysis (ABA) in the treatment of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). METHODS A total of 41 children with ASD who attended the Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University from May 2019 to December 2020 were enrolled and randomly divided into an observation group with 21 children and a control group with 20 children. The children in the observation group were given oral probiotics combined with ABA intervention, while those in the control group were given ABA intervention alone. The treatment outcomes were compared between the two groups. Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC) was used to evaluate the severity of behavioral symptoms in both groups before intervention and at 3 months after intervention. The fecal samples were collected to analyze the difference in intestinal flora between the two groups based on 16s rRNA high-throughput sequencing. RESULTS Before intervention, there was no significant difference in the ATEC score between the observation and control groups (P>0.05). At 3 months after intervention, both groups had a significant reduction in the ATEC score, and the observation group had a significantly lower ATEC score than the control group (P<0.05). Before intervention, there was no significant difference in the composition of intestinal flora between the observation and control groups. At 3 months after intervention, there was a significant difference in the composition of intestinal flora between the observation and control groups. Compared with the control group, the observation group had significantly higher relative abundances of Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Coprobacillus, Ruminococcus, Prevotella, and Blautia (P<0.05) and significantly lower relative abundances of Shigella and Clostridium (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Probiotics may improve the effect of conventional ABA intervention in children with ASD by regulating intestinal flora.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Qin Li
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212001, China (yqli1314@163. com)
| | - Ying-Hong Sun
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212001, China (yqli1314@163. com)
| | | | - Fan Zhou
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212001, China (yqli1314@163. com)
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212001, China (yqli1314@163. com)
| | - Sheng-Li Jin
- Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212001, China (yqli1314@163. com)
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32
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Zheng Y, Bek MK, Prince NZ, Peralta Marzal LN, Garssen J, Perez Pardo P, Kraneveld AD. The Role of Bacterial-Derived Aromatic Amino Acids Metabolites Relevant in Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Comprehensive Review. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:738220. [PMID: 34744609 PMCID: PMC8568365 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.738220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Accepted: 09/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the idea of the gut microbiota being involved in the pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) has attracted attention through numerous studies. Many of these studies report microbial dysregulation in the gut and feces of autistic patients and in ASD animal models. The host microbiota plays a large role in metabolism of ingested foods, and through the production of a range of metabolites it may be involved in neurodevelopmental disorders such as ASD. Two specific microbiota-derived host metabolites, p-cresol sulfate and 4-ethylphenyl sulfate, have been associated with ASD in both patients and animal models. These metabolites originate from bacterially produced p-cresol and 4-ethylphenol, respectively. p-Cresol and 4-ethylphenol are produced through aromatic amino acid fermentation by a range of commensal bacteria, most notably bacteria from the Clostridioides genus, which are among the dysregulated bacteria frequently detected in ASD patients. Once produced, these metabolites are suggested to enter the bloodstream, pass the blood–brain-barrier and affect microglial cells in the central nervous system, possibly affecting processes like neuroinflammation and microglial phagocytosis. This review describes the current knowledge of microbial dysbiosis in ASD and elaborates on the relevance and synthesis pathways of two specific ASD-associated metabolites that may form a link between the microbiota and the brain in autism. While the two discussed metabolites are promising candidates for biomarkers and (nutritional) intervention targets, more research into the role of these metabolites in ASD is required to causally connect these metabolites to ASD pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanpeng Zheng
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Marie K Bek
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Naika Z Prince
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Lucia N Peralta Marzal
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Johan Garssen
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.,Global Centre of Excellence Immunology, Danone Nutricia Research, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Paula Perez Pardo
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Aletta D Kraneveld
- Division of Pharmacology, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Science, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
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33
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Faust TE, Gunner G, Schafer DP. Mechanisms governing activity-dependent synaptic pruning in the developing mammalian CNS. Nat Rev Neurosci 2021; 22:657-673. [PMID: 34545240 PMCID: PMC8541743 DOI: 10.1038/s41583-021-00507-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 38.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Almost 60 years have passed since the initial discovery by Hubel and Wiesel that changes in neuronal activity can elicit developmental rewiring of the central nervous system (CNS). Over this period, we have gained a more comprehensive picture of how both spontaneous neural activity and sensory experience-induced changes in neuronal activity guide CNS circuit development. Here we review activity-dependent synaptic pruning in the mammalian CNS, which we define as the removal of a subset of synapses, while others are maintained, in response to changes in neural activity in the developing nervous system. We discuss the mounting evidence that immune and cell-death molecules are important mechanistic links by which changes in neural activity guide the pruning of specific synapses, emphasizing the role of glial cells in this process. Finally, we discuss how these developmental pruning programmes may go awry in neurodevelopmental disorders of the human CNS, focusing on autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. Together, our aim is to give an overview of how the field of activity-dependent pruning research has evolved, led to exciting new questions and guided the identification of new, therapeutically relevant mechanisms that result in aberrant circuit development in neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Travis E Faust
- Department of Neurobiology, Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Georgia Gunner
- Department of Neurobiology, Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA
| | - Dorothy P Schafer
- Department of Neurobiology, Brudnick Neuropsychiatric Research Institute, University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA, USA.
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Lewis EL, Tulina N, Anton L, Brown AG, Porrett PM, Elovitz MA. IFNγ-Producing γ/δ T Cells Accumulate in the Fetal Brain Following Intrauterine Inflammation. Front Immunol 2021; 12:741518. [PMID: 34675929 PMCID: PMC8524441 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.741518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 09/01/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Intrauterine inflammation impacts prenatal neurodevelopment and is linked to adverse neurobehavioral outcomes ranging from cerebral palsy to autism spectrum disorder. However, the mechanism by which a prenatal exposure to intrauterine inflammation contributes to life-long neurobehavioral consequences is unknown. To address this gap in knowledge, this study investigates how inflammation transverses across multiple anatomic compartments from the maternal reproductive tract to the fetal brain and what specific cell types in the fetal brain may cause long-term neuronal injury. Utilizing a well-established mouse model, we found that mid-gestation intrauterine inflammation resulted in a lasting neutrophil influx to the decidua in the absence of maternal systemic inflammation. Fetal immunologic changes were observed at 72-hours post-intrauterine inflammation, including elevated neutrophils and macrophages in the fetal liver, and increased granulocytes and activated microglia in the fetal brain. Through unbiased clustering, a population of Gr-1+ γ/δ T cells was identified as the earliest immune cell shift in the fetal brain of fetuses exposed to intrauterine inflammation and determined to be producing high levels of IFNγ when compared to γ/δ T cells in other compartments. In a case-control study of term infants, IFNγ was found to be elevated in the cord blood of term infants exposed to intrauterine inflammation compared to those without this exposure. Collectively, these data identify a novel cellular immune mechanism for fetal brain injury in the setting of intrauterine inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma L Lewis
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Natalia Tulina
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Lauren Anton
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Amy G Brown
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Paige M Porrett
- Department of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, PA, United States
| | - Michal A Elovitz
- Center for Research on Reproduction and Women's Health, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
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Shen W, Qiu W, Liu Y, Liao W, Ma Y, He Y, Wang Z, Zhou H. Postnatal age is strongly correlated with the early development of the gut microbiome in preterm infants. Transl Pediatr 2021; 10:2313-2324. [PMID: 34733672 PMCID: PMC8506066 DOI: 10.21037/tp-21-367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The gut microbiome plays a potential role in clinical events in preterm infants and may affect their lateral development. Understanding the initial colonization of microbes in the gut, their early dynamic changes, and the major factors correlated with these changes would provide crucial information about the developmental process in early life. METHODS The present study enrolled 151 preterm infants and examined the longitudinal dynamics of their fecal microbiome profiles during the period of hospitalization using 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing. Random forest modeling was used to predict postnatal age (Age), postmenstrual age (PMA), and gestational age (GA), using gut microbiome features. RESULTS Principal coordinate analysis revealed that the gut microbiome of the preterm infants displayed an obvious time-dependent change pattern, which showed the strongest association with Age, followed by PMA, and a much weaker association with (GA). Random forest modeling further evidenced the time-dependent change pattern, with the Pearson's correlation coefficients between the actual values and the gut microbiome-predicted values being 0.68, 0.53, and 0.38 for postnatal, postmenstrual, and gestational age, respectively. The microbiome dynamism could be further divided into four Age stages, each with its own characteristic microbial taxa. The first 1-4 days (T1 stage) represented the meconium microbiome, with colonization of a high diversity of microbes before or during delivery. During 5-15 days (T2 stage), the gut microbiome of the preterm infants underwent a rapid turnover, in which microbial diversity declined, and stabilized afterward. Enterobacteriaceae, Enterococcaceae, Streptococcaceae, Staphylococcaceae, and Clostridiaceae were the major classes in the gut microbiome in the lateral stages of development (T3-T4 stage). CONCLUSIONS Postnatal age, rather than the gestational age, is significantly correlated with the gut microbiome of preterm infants, suggesting that clinical interventions contribute more to the early dynamics of gut microbiome in preterm infants than the natural development of the gut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Shen
- Department of Neonatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China.,Microbiome Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen Qiu
- Microbiome Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuting Liu
- Department of Neonatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Weihua Liao
- Department of Neonatology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yiyi Ma
- Microbiome Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yan He
- Microbiome Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhang Wang
- Institute of Ecological Sciences, School of Life Sciences, South China Normal University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongwei Zhou
- Microbiome Medicine Center, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
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Juckel G, Manitz MP, Freund N, Gatermann S. Impact of Poly I:C induced maternal immune activation on offspring's gut microbiome diversity - Implications for schizophrenia. Prog Neuropsychopharmacol Biol Psychiatry 2021; 110:110306. [PMID: 33745977 DOI: 10.1016/j.pnpbp.2021.110306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2020] [Revised: 02/27/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Background Immunopathological concepts have been intensively discussed for schizophrenia. The polyriboinosinic-polyribocytidylic (PolyI:C) mouse model has been well validated to invasively study this disease. The intestinal microbiome exhibits broad immunological and neuronal activities. The relevance of microbiome alterations in the PolyI:C model to human schizophrenia should be explored. Methods Feces of offspring from mice mothers, who were administered to PolyI:C or NaCl (controls) at ED 9, were collected at PND 30 and 180 (PolyI:C and control mice (N = 32 each; half males and females). This was analyzed for bacterial 16S ribosomal DNA (rDNA) using a gut microbiome polymerase chain reaction (PCR) microarray tool. Results Differences were found in species richness of microbiome between animals of different ages (PND 30 and 180), but also between offspring from PolyI:C vs. NaCl treated mothers. In female mice at PND 30, the abundance of Prevotellaceae and Porphyromonadaceae was lower and that of Lactobacillales was higher, whereas in male mice at the same time point the abundance of four families of the Firmicutes phylum (Clostridia vadinBB60 group, Clostridiales Family XIII, Ruminococcaceae and Erysipelotrichaceae) was increased relative to the control group. Limitations No further analyses of cell types or cytokines involved in autoimmune gut and brain processes. Conclusions These finding seem to be similar to microbiome disturbances in patients with schizophrenia. The differential bacterial findings at day 30 (i.e., similar to the prodromal phase in patients with schizophrenia) correspond to the tremendous activation of the immune system with a strong increase in microglial cells which might be responsible for neuroplasticity reduction in cortical areas in patients with schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georg Juckel
- Dept. of Psychiatry, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr University, Bochum, Germany.
| | - Marie-Pierre Manitz
- Dept. of Psychiatry, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr University, Bochum, Germany
| | - Nadja Freund
- Dept. of Psychiatry, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr University, Bochum, Germany
| | - Sören Gatermann
- Dept. of Psychiatry, LWL University Hospital, Ruhr University, Bochum, Germany
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37
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Kassotaki I, Valsamakis G, Mastorakos G, Grammatopoulos DK. Placental CRH as a Signal of Pregnancy Adversity and Impact on Fetal Neurodevelopment. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:714214. [PMID: 34408727 PMCID: PMC8366286 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.714214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Early life is a period of considerable plasticity and vulnerability and insults during that period can disrupt the homeostatic equilibrium of the developing organism, resulting in adverse developmental programming and enhanced susceptibility to disease. Fetal exposure to prenatal stress can impede optimum brain development and deranged mother's hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA axis) stress responses can alter the neurodevelopmental trajectories of the offspring. Corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) and glucocorticoids, regulate fetal neurogenesis and while CRH exerts neuroprotective actions, increased levels of stress hormones have been associated with fetal brain structural alterations such as reduced cortical volume, impoverishment of neuronal density in the limbic brain areas and alterations in neuronal circuitry, synaptic plasticity, neurotransmission and G-protein coupled receptor (GPCR) signalling. Emerging evidence highlight the role of epigenetic changes in fetal brain programming, as stress-induced methylation of genes encoding molecules that are implicated in HPA axis and major neurodevelopmental processes. These serve as molecular memories and have been associated with long term modifications of the offspring's stress regulatory system and increased susceptibility to psychosomatic disorders later in life. This review summarises our current understanding on the roles of CRH and other mediators of stress responses on fetal neurodevelopment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ifigeneia Kassotaki
- Department of Internal Medicine, 2nd Internal Medicine Clinic, Venizeleio Pananeio General Hospital, Heraklion, Greece
| | - Georgios Valsamakis
- Second University Department of Obs and Gynae, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
- Translational Medicine, Warwick Medical School, Coventry, United Kingdom
| | - George Mastorakos
- Unit of Endocrinology, Diabetes Mellitus and Metabolism, Aretaieion Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitris K. Grammatopoulos
- Translational Medicine, Warwick Medical School, Coventry, United Kingdom
- Institute of Precision Diagnostics and Translational Medicine, Pathology, University Hospitals Coventry and Warwickshire (UHCW) NHS Trust, Coventry, United Kingdom
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Abstract
Interactions between the immune system and the nervous system have been described mostly in the context of diseases. More recent studies have begun to reveal how certain immune cell-derived soluble effectors, the cytokines, can influence host behaviour even in the absence of infection. In this Review, we contemplate how the immune system shapes nervous system function and how it controls the manifestation of host behaviour. Interactions between these two highly complex systems are discussed here also in the context of evolution, as both may have evolved to maximize an organism's ability to respond to environmental threats in order to survive. We describe how the immune system relays information to the nervous system and how cytokine signalling occurs in neurons. We also speculate on how the brain may be hardwired to receive and process information from the immune system. Finally, we propose a unified theory depicting a co-evolution of the immune system and host behaviour in response to the evolutionary pressure of pathogens.
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39
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Antonson AM, Kenney AD, Chen HJ, Corps KN, Yount JS, Gur TL. Moderately pathogenic maternal influenza A virus infection disrupts placental integrity but spares the fetal brain. Brain Behav Immun 2021; 96:28-39. [PMID: 33989741 PMCID: PMC8319055 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbi.2021.05.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2021] [Revised: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 05/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Maternal infection during pregnancy is a known risk factor for offspring mental health disorders. Animal models of maternal immune activation (MIA) have implicated specific cellular and molecular etiologies of psychiatric illness, but most rely on pathogen mimetics. Here, we developed a mouse model of live H3N2 influenza A virus (IAV) infection during pregnancy that induces a robust inflammatory response but is sublethal to both dams and offspring. We observed classic indicators of lung inflammation and severely diminished weight gain in IAV-infected dams. This was accompanied by immune cell infiltration in the placenta and partial breakdown of placental integrity. However, indications of fetal neuroinflammation were absent. Further hallmarks of mimetic-induced MIA, including enhanced circulating maternal IL-17A, were also absent. Respiratory IAV infection did result in an upregulation in intestinal expression of transcription factor RORγt, master regulator of a subset of T lymphocytes, TH17 cells, which are heavily implicated in MIA-induced etiologies. Nonetheless, subsequent augmentation in IL-17A production and concomitant overt intestinal injury was not evident. Our results suggest that mild or moderately pathogenic IAV infection during pregnancy does not inflame the developing fetal brain, and highlight the importance of live pathogen infection models for the study of MIA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne M Antonson
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Biosciences Division, College of Dentistry, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Infectious Diseases Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Animal Sciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL, USA.
| | - Adam D Kenney
- Infectious Diseases Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Helen J Chen
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kara N Corps
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jacob S Yount
- Infectious Diseases Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Microbial Infection and Immunity, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Tamar L Gur
- Institute for Behavioral Medicine Research, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Health, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Infectious Diseases Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Neuroscience, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA; Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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40
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Frye RE, Cakir J, Rose S, Palmer RF, Austin C, Curtin P. Physiological mediators of prenatal environmental influences in autism spectrum disorder. Bioessays 2021; 43:e2000307. [PMID: 34260745 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202000307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Recent research has pointed to the importance of the prenatal environment in the etiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) but the biological mechanisms which mitigate these environmental factors are not clear. Mitochondrial metabolism abnormalities, inflammation and oxidative stress as common physiological disturbances associated with ASD. Network analysis of the scientific literature identified several leading prenatal environmental factors associated with ASD, particularly air pollution, pesticides, the microbiome and epigenetics. These leading prenatal environmental factors were found to be most associated with inflammation, followed by oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. Other prenatal factors associated with ASD not identified by the network analysis were also found to be significantly associated with these common physiological disturbances. A better understanding of the biological mechanism which mediate the effect of prenatal environmental factors can lead to insights of how ASD develops and the development of targeted therapeutics to prevent ASD from occuring.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard E Frye
- Section on Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Division of Neurology, Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children's Hospital, 1919 E Thomas Rd, Phoenix, Arizona, 85016, USA.,Department of Child Health, University of Arizona College of Medicine - Phoenix, Phoenix, AZ, 85004, USA
| | - Janet Cakir
- Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, 27695, USA
| | - Shannon Rose
- Arkansas Children's Research Institute, Little Rock, Arkansas, 72202, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, Arkansas, 72205, USA
| | - Raymond F Palmer
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, Texas, 78229, USA
| | - Christine Austin
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, 10029, USA
| | - Paul Curtin
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York, 10029, USA
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41
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Matejuk A, Vandenbark AA, Offner H. Cross-Talk of the CNS With Immune Cells and Functions in Health and Disease. Front Neurol 2021; 12:672455. [PMID: 34135852 PMCID: PMC8200536 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2021.672455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The immune system's role is much more than merely recognizing self vs. non-self and involves maintaining homeostasis and integrity of the organism starting from early development to ensure proper organ function later in life. Unlike other systems, the central nervous system (CNS) is separated from the peripheral immune machinery that, for decades, has been envisioned almost entirely as detrimental to the nervous system. New research changes this view and shows that blood-borne immune cells (both adaptive and innate) can provide homeostatic support to the CNS via neuroimmune communication. Neurodegeneration is mostly viewed through the lens of the resident brain immune populations with little attention to peripheral circulation. For example, cognition declines with impairment of peripheral adaptive immunity but not with the removal of microglia. Therapeutic failures of agents targeting the neuroinflammation framework (inhibiting immune response), especially in neurodegenerative disorders, call for a reconsideration of immune response contributions. It is crucial to understand cross-talk between the CNS and the immune system in health and disease to decipher neurodestructive and neuroprotective immune mechanisms for more efficient therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agata Matejuk
- Department of Immunology, Collegium Medicum, University of Zielona Góra, Zielona Góra, Poland
| | - Arthur A Vandenbark
- Neuroimmunology Research, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, United States.,Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States.,Department of Molecular Microbiology and Immunology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Halina Offner
- Neuroimmunology Research, VA Portland Health Care System, Portland, OR, United States.,Department of Neurology, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States.,Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, United States
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42
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Davoli-Ferreira M, Thomson CA, McCoy KD. Microbiota and Microglia Interactions in ASD. Front Immunol 2021; 12:676255. [PMID: 34113350 PMCID: PMC8185464 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.676255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are serious, highly variable neurodevelopmental disorders, commonly characterized by the manifestation of specific behavioral abnormalities, such as stereotypic behaviors and deficits in social skills, including communication. Although the neurobiological basis for ASD has attracted attention in recent decades, the role of microglial cells, which are the main resident myeloid cell population in the brain, is still controversial and underexplored. Microglia play several fundamental roles in orchestrating brain development and homeostasis. As such, alterations in the intrinsic functions of these cells could be one of the driving forces responsible for the development of various neurodevelopmental disorders, including ASD. Microglia are highly sensitive to environmental cues. Amongst the environmental factors known to influence their intrinsic functions, the gut microbiota has emerged as a central player, controlling both microglial maturation and activation. Strikingly, there is now compelling data suggesting that the intestinal microbiota can play a causative role in driving the behavioural changes associated with ASD. Not only is intestinal dysbiosis commonly reported in ASD patients, but therapies targeting the microbiome can markedly alleviate behavioral symptoms. Here we explore the emerging mechanisms by which altered microglial functions could contribute to several major etiological factors of ASD. We then demonstrate how pre- and postnatal environmental stimuli can modulate microglial cell phenotype and function, underpinning the notion that reciprocal interactions between microglia and intestinal microbes could play a crucial role in ASD aetiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marcela Davoli-Ferreira
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Snyder Institute of Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Carolyn A Thomson
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Snyder Institute of Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Kathy D McCoy
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Snyder Institute of Chronic Diseases, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
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43
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Frye RE, Cakir J, Rose S, Palmer RF, Austin C, Curtin P, Arora M. Mitochondria May Mediate Prenatal Environmental Influences in Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Pers Med 2021; 11:218. [PMID: 33803789 PMCID: PMC8003154 DOI: 10.3390/jpm11030218] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Revised: 03/17/2021] [Accepted: 03/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
We propose that the mitochondrion, an essential cellular organelle, mediates the long-term prenatal environmental effects of disease in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Many prenatal environmental factors which increase the risk of developing ASD influence mitochondria physiology, including toxicant exposures, immune activation, and nutritional factors. Unique types of mitochondrial dysfunction have been associated with ASD and recent studies have linked prenatal environmental exposures to long-term changes in mitochondrial physiology in children with ASD. A better understanding of the role of the mitochondria in the etiology of ASD can lead to targeted therapeutics and strategies to potentially prevent the development of ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard E. Frye
- Barrow Neurological Institute at Phoenix Children’s Hospital, Phoenix, AZ 85016, USA
| | - Janet Cakir
- Department of Applied Ecology, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC 27695, USA;
| | - Shannon Rose
- Department of Pediatrics, Arkansas Children’s Research Institute, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72202, USA;
| | - Raymond F. Palmer
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX 78229, USA;
| | - Christine Austin
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (C.A.); (P.C.); (M.A.)
| | - Paul Curtin
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (C.A.); (P.C.); (M.A.)
| | - Manish Arora
- Department of Environmental Medicine and Public Health, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA; (C.A.); (P.C.); (M.A.)
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44
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristine E Zengeler
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG), Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
- Cell and Molecular Biology Training Program, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
| | - John R Lukens
- Center for Brain Immunology and Glia (BIG), Department of Neuroscience, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
- Cell and Molecular Biology Training Program, School of Medicine, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, Virginia, USA.
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45
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Kalish BT, Kim E, Finander B, Duffy EE, Kim H, Gilman CK, Yim YS, Tong L, Kaufman RJ, Griffith EC, Choi GB, Greenberg ME, Huh JR. Maternal immune activation in mice disrupts proteostasis in the fetal brain. Nat Neurosci 2021; 24:204-213. [PMID: 33361822 PMCID: PMC7854524 DOI: 10.1038/s41593-020-00762-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 61] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Maternal infection and inflammation during pregnancy are associated with neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring, but little is understood about the molecular mechanisms underlying this epidemiologic phenomenon. Here, we leveraged single-cell RNA sequencing to profile transcriptional changes in the mouse fetal brain in response to maternal immune activation (MIA) and identified perturbations in cellular pathways associated with mRNA translation, ribosome biogenesis and stress signaling. We found that MIA activates the integrated stress response (ISR) in male, but not female, MIA offspring in an interleukin-17a-dependent manner, which reduced global mRNA translation and altered nascent proteome synthesis. Moreover, blockade of ISR activation prevented the behavioral abnormalities as well as increased cortical neural activity in MIA male offspring. Our data suggest that sex-specific activation of the ISR leads to maternal inflammation-associated neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian T Kalish
- Department of Neurobiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Eunha Kim
- Department of Immunology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Benjamin Finander
- Department of Neurobiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Erin E Duffy
- Department of Neurobiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hyunju Kim
- Department of Immunology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Casey K Gilman
- Department of Immunology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yeong Shin Yim
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Lilin Tong
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Molecular Genetics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Randal J Kaufman
- Degenerative Disease Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Eric C Griffith
- Department of Neurobiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gloria B Choi
- The Picower Institute for Learning and Memory, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Michael E Greenberg
- Department of Neurobiology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Jun R Huh
- Department of Immunology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Evergrande Center for Immunologic Diseases, Harvard Medical School and Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
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46
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Innate immunity at the crossroads of healthy brain maturation and neurodevelopmental disorders. Nat Rev Immunol 2021; 21:454-468. [PMID: 33479477 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-020-00487-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The immune and nervous systems have unique developmental trajectories that individually build intricate networks of cells with highly specialized functions. These two systems have extensive mechanistic overlap and frequently coordinate to accomplish the proper growth and maturation of an organism. Brain resident innate immune cells - microglia - have the capacity to sculpt neural circuitry and coordinate copious and diverse neurodevelopmental processes. Moreover, many immune cells and immune-related signalling molecules are found in the developing nervous system and contribute to healthy neurodevelopment. In particular, many components of the innate immune system, including Toll-like receptors, cytokines, inflammasomes and phagocytic signals, are critical contributors to healthy brain development. Accordingly, dysfunction in innate immune signalling pathways has been functionally linked to many neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism and schizophrenia. This review discusses the essential roles of microglia and innate immune signalling in the assembly and maintenance of a properly functioning nervous system.
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Jhun M, Panwar A, Cordner R, Irvin DK, Veiga L, Yeager N, Pechnick RN, Schubloom H, Black KL, Wheeler CJ. CD103 Deficiency Promotes Autism (ASD) and Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Behavioral Spectra and Reduces Age-Related Cognitive Decline. Front Neurol 2021; 11:557269. [PMID: 33424735 PMCID: PMC7786306 DOI: 10.3389/fneur.2020.557269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), which frequently co-occur, are both rising. The causes of ASD and ADHD remain elusive, even as both appear to involve perturbation of the gut-brain-immune axis. CD103 is an integrin and E-cadherin receptor most prominently expressed on CD8 T cells that reside in gut, brain, and other tissues. CD103 deficiency is well-known to impair gut immunity and resident T cell function, but it's impact on neurodevelopmental disorders has not been examined. We show here that CD8 T cells influence neural progenitor cell function, and that CD103 modulates this impact both directly and potentially by controlling CD8 levels in brain. CD103 knockout (CD103KO) mice exhibited a variety of behavioral abnormalities, including superior cognitive performance coupled with repetitive behavior, aversion to novelty and social impairment in females, with hyperactivity with delayed learning in males. Brain protein markers in female and male CD103KOs coincided with known aspects of ASD and ADHD in humans, respectively. Surprisingly, CD103 deficiency also decreased age-related cognitive decline in both sexes, albeit by distinct means. Together, our findings reveal a novel role for CD103 in brain developmental function, and identify it as a unique factor linking ASD and ADHD etiology. Our data also introduce a new animal model of combined ASD and ADHD with associated cognitive benefits, and reveal potential therapeutic targets for these disorders and age-related cognitive decline.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Jhun
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Akanksha Panwar
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Ryan Cordner
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Department Biomedical & Translational Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Dwain K Irvin
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,StemVax Therapeutics, Chesterland, OH, United States
| | - Lucia Veiga
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Nicole Yeager
- Department Biomedical & Translational Sciences, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Robert N Pechnick
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific, Western University of Health Sciences, Pomona, CA, United States
| | - Hanna Schubloom
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Keith L Black
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Christopher J Wheeler
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Maxine Dunitz Neurosurgical Institute, Los Angeles, CA, United States.,Society for Brain Mapping & Therapeutics, Brain Mapping Foundation, Santa Monica, CA, United States.,T-Neuro Pharma, Inc., Albuquerque, NM, United States
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48
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Eshraghi RS, Davies C, Iyengar R, Perez L, Mittal R, Eshraghi AA. Gut-Induced Inflammation during Development May Compromise the Blood-Brain Barrier and Predispose to Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Clin Med 2020; 10:jcm10010027. [PMID: 33374296 PMCID: PMC7794774 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10010027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, the gut microbiome has gained considerable interest as one of the major contributors to the pathogenesis of multi-system inflammatory disorders. Several studies have suggested that the gut microbiota plays a role in modulating complex signaling pathways, predominantly via the bidirectional gut-brain-axis (GBA). Subsequent in vivo studies have demonstrated the direct role of altered gut microbes and metabolites in the progression of neurodevelopmental diseases. This review will discuss the most recent advancements in our understanding of the gut microbiome’s clinical significance in regulating blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity, immunological function, and neurobiological development. In particular, we address the potentially causal role of GBA dysregulation in the pathophysiology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) through compromising the BBB and immunological abnormalities. A thorough understanding of the complex signaling interactions between gut microbes, metabolites, neural development, immune mediators, and neurobiological functionality will facilitate the development of targeted therapeutic modalities to better understand, prevent, and treat ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca S. Eshraghi
- Hearing Research and Communication Disorders Laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (C.D.); (R.I.); (L.P.); (R.M.); (A.A.E.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Camron Davies
- Hearing Research and Communication Disorders Laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (C.D.); (R.I.); (L.P.); (R.M.); (A.A.E.)
| | - Rahul Iyengar
- Hearing Research and Communication Disorders Laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (C.D.); (R.I.); (L.P.); (R.M.); (A.A.E.)
| | - Linda Perez
- Hearing Research and Communication Disorders Laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (C.D.); (R.I.); (L.P.); (R.M.); (A.A.E.)
| | - Rahul Mittal
- Hearing Research and Communication Disorders Laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (C.D.); (R.I.); (L.P.); (R.M.); (A.A.E.)
| | - Adrien A. Eshraghi
- Hearing Research and Communication Disorders Laboratory, Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA; (C.D.); (R.I.); (L.P.); (R.M.); (A.A.E.)
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Miami, Coral Gables, FL 33146, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL 33136, USA
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49
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Flies EJ, Jones P, Buettel JC, Brook BW. Compromised Ecosystem Services From Urban Aerial Microbiomes: A Review of Impacts on Human Immune Function. Front Ecol Evol 2020. [DOI: 10.3389/fevo.2020.568902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
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50
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Holingue C, Brucato M, Ladd-Acosta C, Hong X, Volk H, Mueller NT, Wang X, Fallin MD. Interaction between Maternal Immune Activation and Antibiotic Use during Pregnancy and Child Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder. Autism Res 2020; 13:2230-2241. [PMID: 33067915 DOI: 10.1002/aur.2411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 09/28/2020] [Accepted: 09/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal exposure to maternal immune activation (MIA) has been implicated as a risk factor for the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), though the conditions under which this elevated risk occurs are unclear. Animal literature demonstrates that antibiotic use, which affects the composition of the maternal gut microbiota, modifies the effect of MIA on neurodevelopmental outcomes in the offspring. The aim of this study was to assess whether antibiotic use during pregnancy modifies the association between MIA and subsequent risk of ASD, in a prospective birth cohort with 116 ASD cases and 860 typically developing (TD) child controls. There was no evidence of interaction between fever or genitourinary infection and antibiotic use on the odds of ASD in unadjusted or adjusted analyzes. However, we found evidence of an interaction between flu, specifically in second trimester, and antibiotic use at any point during pregnancy on the odds of ASD in the child. Among women who received an antibiotic during pregnancy, flu in trimester two was not associated with ASD (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.99 [0.43-2.28]). Among women who were not exposed to an antibiotic at any point during pregnancy, flu in second trimester was significantly associated with increased odds of ASD (aOR = 4.05 [1.14-14.38], P = .03), after adjustment for child sex, child birth year, maternal age, gestational age, C-section delivery, and low birthweight. These findings should be treated as hypothesis-generating and suggest that antibiotic use may modify the influence that MIA has on autism risk in the child. LAY SUMMARY: We looked at whether the association between activation of the immune system during pregnancy and risk of the child developing autism spectrum disorder (ASD) differed among women who did or did not take an antibiotic at any point during pregnancy. We examined 116 children with ASD and 860 without ASD and found that flu in second trimester was associated with increased ASD, but only among women who did not take an antibiotic during pregnancy. No other immune activation exposures seemed to interact with antibiotic use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Calliope Holingue
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Martha Brucato
- Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Medical Scientist Training Program, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Christine Ladd-Acosta
- Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Xiumei Hong
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,The Center on the Early Life Origins of Disease, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Heather Volk
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Noel T Mueller
- Department of Epidemiology, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Xiaobin Wang
- Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,The Center on the Early Life Origins of Disease, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - M Daniele Fallin
- Department of Mental Health, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA.,Wendy Klag Center for Autism and Developmental Disabilities, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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