Exploring potential impacts of pregnancy-related maternal immune activation and extracellular vesicles on immune alterations observed in autism spectrum disorder

• Published in: Heliyon 2023-05, Vol.9 (5), p.e15593-e15593, Article e15593
• Main Authors: Kaminski, Valéria de Lima, Michita, Rafael Tomoya, Ellwanger, Joel Henrique, Veit, Tiago Degani, Schuch, Jaqueline Bohrer, Riesgo, Rudimar dos Santos, Roman, Tatiana, Chies, José Artur Bogo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Autism spectrum disorder; Cytokines; Exosomes; Gestation; Immune system; Infection; Inflammatory response; Maternal immune activation; Microbiota; Preeclampsia; Review
• ISSN: 2405-8440; 2405-8440
• DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15593

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a set of neurodevelopmental disorders usually observed in early life, with impacts on behavioral and social skills. Incidence of ASD has been dramatically increasing worldwide, possibly due to increase in awareness/diagnosis as well as to genetic and environmental triggers. Currently, it is estimated that ∼1% of the world population presents ASD symptoms. In addition to its genetic background, environmental and immune-related factors also influence the ASD etiology. In this context, maternal immune activation (MIA) has recently been suggested as a component potentially involved in ASD development. In addition, extracellular vesicles (EVs) are abundant at the maternal-fetal interface and are actively involved in the immunoregulation required for a healthy pregnancy. Considering that alterations in concentration and content of EVs have also been associated with ASD, this article raises a debate about the potential roles of EVs in the processes surrounding MIA. This represents the major differential of the present review compared to other ASD studies. To support the suggested correlations and hypotheses, findings regarding the roles of EVs during pregnancy and potential influences on ASD are discussed, along with a review and update concerning the participation of infections, cytokine unbalances, overweight and obesity, maternal anti-fetal brain antibodies, maternal fever, gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, labor type and microbiota unbalances in MIA and ASD. •Environmental factors influence the etiology of ASD.•Maternal immune activation (MIA) during pregnancy can contribute to ASD development.•Extracellular vesicles could contribute to immune impairments observed in ASD patients.