title: The Immune System, Cytokines, and Biomarkers in Autism Spectrum Disorder.
abstract: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a pervasive neurodevelopmental condition characterized by variable impairments in communication and social interaction as well as restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. Heterogeneity of presentation is a hallmark. Investigations of immune system problems in ASD, including aberrations in cytokine profiles and signaling, have been increasing in recent times and are the subject of ongoing interest. With the aim of establishing whether cytokines have utility as potential biomarkers that may define a subgroup of ASD, or function as an objective measure of response to treatment, this review summarizes the role of the immune system, discusses the relationship between the immune system, the brain, and behavior, and presents previously-identified immune system abnormalities in ASD, specifically addressing the role of cytokines in these aberrations. The roles and identification of biomarkers are also addressed, particularly with respect to cytokine profiles in ASD.
authors.affiliation: Autism Clinic for Translational Research, Brain and Mind Centre, Central Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2050, Australia.
authors.forename: Anne
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Masi
authors.affiliation: Autism Clinic for Translational Research, Brain and Mind Centre, Central Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2050, Australia.
authors.forename: Nicholas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Glozier
authors.affiliation: Childrens Hospital at Westmead Clinical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2145, Australia.
authors.forename: Russell
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dale
authors.affiliation: Autism Clinic for Translational Research, Brain and Mind Centre, Central Clinical School, Sydney Medical School, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, 2050, Australia. adam.guastella@sydney.edu.au.
authors.forename: Adam J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Guastella
mesh_terms: D000067877:Autism Spectrum Disorder / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000378:metabolism*; D016207:Cytokines / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007107:Immune System / Q000503:physiopathology*
chemical_list: D015415:Biomarkers; D016207:Cytokines
keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorder; Cytokine; Immune system