Immunological treatments for autism.
Several investigators, including ourselves, have reported significant changes in various immune responses in children with autism. These changes demonstrate dysregulation of the immune system (deficiency in some components of the immune system and excesses in others). In addition, certain genes in the major histocompatibility complex (that regulates immune responses) appear to be involved in autism. Based upon immunological abnormalities, various treatment modalities have been applied to children with autism. In this brief review, these immunological changes and various biological therapies are analyzed and summarized.
Gupta
S
S
Division of Basic and Clinical Immunology, Medical Sciences I, University of California, Irvine 92697, USA. sgupta@uci.edu
D001321:Autistic Disorder / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006801:Humans; D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008285:Major Histocompatibility Complex / Q000276:immunology; D010431:Pentoxifylline / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014165:Transfer Factor / Q000276:immunology
D016756:Immunoglobulins, Intravenous; D010726:Phosphodiesterase Inhibitors; D014165:Transfer Factor; D010431:Pentoxifylline