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Gut Bacteria and Immune Cells May Drive Autism
Summary: Researchers have uncovered a critical connection between the gut microbiota, the immune system, and autism spectrum disorder (ASD). In a germ-free genetic mouse model, removal of gut microbes reduced autism-like behaviors and lowered brain inflammation, showing that microbes may play a dominant role in driving symptoms.
The study also found that gut microbes influence the balance of glutamate and GABA, two neurotransmitters that regulate brain activity. A probiotic strain, L. reuteri IMB015, was able to restore this balance, ease inflammation, and improve behaviors, pointing to probiotics as a potential therapeutic strategy for ASD.
Key Facts
Microbial Role: Germ-free ASD mice showed fewer symptoms, implicating gut microbes.
Immune Link: T cells and neuroinflammation were key drivers of ASD-like behaviors.
Probiotic Therapy: L. reuteri IMB015 restored neurotransmitter balance and improved symptoms in mice.
More:
https://neurosciencenews.com/microbiome-asd-immune-cells-29592/
