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Advanced Neurology Role of immunosuppressants in autism

Figure 2. Role of mTOR. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is divided into two parts, mTORC1 and mTORC2, with molecules containing MLST8,
DEPTOR, TTI1, and TEL2. mTORC1 activates mRNA, S6K1, and 4EBP1/2, leading to autism.
Abbreviations: mTOR: Mammalian target of rapamycin; mRNA: Messenger RNA; S6K1: 40S ribosomal S6 Kinase 1; 4EBP1/2: 4 E binding protein 1.

Glia. Glia is a diverse group of cells in the brain that to contribute to the pathogenesis of various neurological
provide support and protection to neurons. Dysregulation disorders through their interactions with immune
of glial function has been implicated in the pathogenesis and nervous system cells. It has been suggested that
of ASD, and recent studies have suggested that mTOR dysregulation of the immune system, including alterations
signaling may play a role in this process. For example, in NK cell function, may contribute to the pathogenesis
hyperactivation of mTOR signaling has been observed in of ASD by disrupting normal brain development and
astrocytes in a mouse model of ASD, leading to alterations neural connectivity [4,29] . However, the exact mechanisms
in synaptic pruning and social behavior [44,45] . underlying this relationship are still being investigated,
Immune cells. Dysregulation of the immune system has and further research is needed to fully understand the
been implicated in the pathogenesis of ASD, and recent role of NK cells in the pathogenesis of neurological and
neuropsychiatric disorders associated with abnormal
studies have suggested that mTOR signaling may play a
role in this process. For example, hyperactivation of mTOR mTOR signaling in neurons. Recent studies have
signaling has been observed in T cells and monocytes in suggested that alterations in immune function, including
individuals with ASD, leading to alterations in immune abnormalities in NK cell function, may contribute to
the pathogenesis of neurological and neuropsychiatric
function and inflammation .
[46]
disorders associated with abnormal mTOR signaling in
Overall, dysregulation of mTOR signaling in these neurons. For example, it has been suggested that immune
different cell types may contribute to the pathogenesis of dysregulation may contribute to the pathogenesis of ASD
ASD by disrupting normal brain development, synaptic by disrupting normal brain development and neural
plasticity, and immune function. Targeting mTOR connectivity [49,50] . NK cells are a part of the innate immune
signaling is an area of active research for the development system and play a critical role in the defense against viral
of novel therapeutics for ASD. infections and cancer. Recent research has also suggested
that NK cells may play a role in the regulation of the
2.1.2. Relationship of abnormal mTOR signaling in immune system and in the development of neurological
neurons with NK cells and neuropsychiatric disorders. For example, studies
There is currently no direct known relationship between have suggested that alterations in NK cell function
abnormal mTOR signaling in neurons and NK cells. may contribute to the pathogenesis of ASD and other
However, both abnormalities have been independently neurological disorders by disrupting normal immune
implicated in the pathogenesis of various neurological and function and brain development . Overall, while
[51]
neuropsychiatric disorders, including ASD, epilepsy, and there is currently no direct known relationship between
schizophrenia . Abnormal mTOR signaling in neurons abnormal mTOR signaling in neurons and NK cells, both
[47]
has been shown to contribute to the pathogenesis of ASD, abnormalities have been independently implicated in the
and recent studies have suggested that dysregulation of pathogenesis of various neurological and neuropsychiatric
mTOR signaling in other cell types, including glia and disorders. Further research is needed to fully understand
immune cells, may also contribute to the disorder [15,48] . NK the mechanisms underlying these abnormalities and to
cells, on the other hand, have been shown to play a role develop potential therapeutic interventions targeting
in the regulation of the immune system and are thought mTOR signaling and NK cells in these disorders.

Volume 2 Issue 2 (2023) 5 https://doi.org/10.36922/an.391