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Advanced Neurology Role of immunosuppressants in autism

Figure 3. Natural killer cell properties.
Abbreviations: NK cells: Natural killer cell; ASD: Autism spectrum disorder; PI3K: Phosphoinositide-3-kinase; mTOR: Mammalian target of rapamycin;
KIR: Killer immunoglobulin like receptor; HLA: Human leukocyte antigen.

psychiatric disorders, in addition to ASD [88,89] . For example, developing children. In addition, studies have suggested
abnormalities in synaptic pruning have been linked to the that alterations in NK cell function may be related to
pathogenesis of schizophrenia, epilepsy, and Alzheimer’s abnormalities in cytokine signaling and oxidative stress
disease, among others. Therapeutic interventions targeting in individuals with ASD [93,94] . Dysregulation of cytokine
caspase-mediated synaptic pruning and NK cell function signaling has been implicated in the pathogenesis of
are currently being explored as potential treatments for ASD, and some studies have suggested that alterations in
ASD and other neurological disorders . For example, cytokine production and signaling may contribute to the
[90]
recent studies have suggested that modulating the activity altered NK cell function observed in ASD.
of certain immune cells, including NK cells, may have Oxidative stress, which is characterized by an
[91]
therapeutic benefits in the treatment of ASD . However, imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen
it is important to note that the relationships between species and antioxidant defense, has also been implicated
caspase-mediated synaptic pruning, NK cell function, and
ASD pathogenesis are complex and multifaceted. Further in the pathogenesis of ASD, and studies have suggested
research is needed to fully understand the mechanisms that oxidative stress may contribute to the alterations in
.
NK cell function observed in ASD
[94,95]
underlying these relationships and to develop potential
therapeutic interventions targeting these pathways. Recent research has also highlighted the potential role
of the interactions between the immune system and the
3.2.2. Involvement of NK cells in ASD brain in the pathogenesis of ASD. It has been proposed
Natural killer cells play a critical role in the immune that alterations in immune function during critical periods
system’s defense against viral infections and cancer. Recent of brain development may contribute to the altered neural
[96]
studies have suggested that NK cells may also be involved connectivity and social behavior observed in ASD . NK
in the pathogenesis of ASD. Dysregulation of the immune cells, as a part of the innate immune system, have the
system has been implicated in the pathogenesis of ASD, ability to directly interact with neurons and glia and can
and recent studies have suggested that NK cells may play a modulate synaptic function and plasticity. Some studies
role in this process [4,92] . For example, alterations in NK cell have also suggested a link between alterations in NK cell
function and number have been observed in individuals function and gastrointestinal symptoms commonly seen
with ASD. Some studies have reported decreased NK cell in individuals with ASD. Gastrointestinal symptoms,
cytotoxicity (the ability to kill target cells) in children with including abdominal pain, constipation, and diarrhea,
ASD compared to typically developing children. Other are common in individuals with ASD, and researchers
studies have found that the number of circulating NK have suggested that alterations in the gut microbiota
cells is lower in children with ASD compared to typically may contribute to these symptoms [97-99] . Natural killer

Volume 2 Issue 2 (2023) 10 https://doi.org/10.36922/an.391