Altered monocyte subpopulations and their association with autism spectrum disorder risk in children

IF 8.8 2区医学 Q1 IMMUNOLOGY

Brain, Behavior, and Immunity Pub Date : 2025-02-25 DOI:10.1016/j.bbi.2025.02.028

Wenhua Li , Lingling Zhang , Yiran Xu , Hongwei Li , Bingbing Li , Shuang Sun , Xiaoli Zhang , Guiqin Duan , Yiwen Chen , Jie Zhang , Yangyang Cao , Xiaoping Li , Qianqian Liu , Yanan Wu , Shan Zhang , Jianmei W. Leavenworth , Xiaoyang Wang , Changlian Zhu

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引用次数: 0

Abstract

Objective

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by deficits in social communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. Emerging evidence suggests a link between immune dysregulation and ASD. This study investigates alterations in monocyte subpopulations and cytokine production in children with ASD and their potential associations with ASD risk and severity.

Methods

Initially, the immune status of peripheral blood mononuclear cells was assessed in cohort-I of 96 typically developing (TD) children and 92 children diagnosed with ASD using flow cytometry. Subsequently, the secretion of cytokines IL-6 and IL-10 by monocytes was evaluated following stimulation with a leukocyte activation mixture and intracellular protein staining technique in cohort-II.

Results

Children with ASD exhibited significantly higher levels of total monocytes, classical monocytes (CD14^hi/CD16^–), and non-classical monocytes (CD14^low/CD16⁺) compared to TD children (p < 0.001). Elevated levels of classical monocytes (β: 0.395; 95 %CI: 0.260–0.530; p < 0.001) and non-classical monocytes (β: 0.629; 95 %CI: 0.516–0.742; p < 0.001) were significantly associated with ASD after adjusting for age, sex and body mass index. Furthermore, increased production of IL-6 by monocytes was observed in children with ASD (p = 0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that classical monocytes (OR: 1.104; 95 %CI: 1.062–1.147; p < 0.001), non-classical monocytes (OR: 2.913; 95 %CI: 2.130–3.986; p < 0.001) and IL-6 production by monocytes (OR: 1.306; 95 %CI: 1.096–1.557; p = 0.003) are risk factors for ASD. Spearman correlation analysis revealed a negative correlation between classical monocyte levels and adaptive behavior developmental quotient (DQ) (r = − 0.377; p = 0.001), fine motor DQ (r = − 0.329; p = 0.003) and personal-social DQ (r = − 0.247; p = 0.029) in children with ASD.

Conclusion

Elevated classical and non-classical monocytes are potential risk factors for ASD and may influence neurodevelopmental outcomes. Further research is needed to elucidate the precise mechanisms and therapeutic implications.

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来源期刊

Brain, Behavior, and Immunity 医学-免疫学

CiteScore

29.60

自引率

2.00%

发文量

290

审稿时长

28 days

期刊介绍： Established in 1987, Brain, Behavior, and Immunity proudly serves as the official journal of the Psychoneuroimmunology Research Society (PNIRS). This pioneering journal is dedicated to publishing peer-reviewed basic, experimental, and clinical studies that explore the intricate interactions among behavioral, neural, endocrine, and immune systems in both humans and animals. As an international and interdisciplinary platform, Brain, Behavior, and Immunity focuses on original research spanning neuroscience, immunology, integrative physiology, behavioral biology, psychiatry, psychology, and clinical medicine. The journal is inclusive of research conducted at various levels, including molecular, cellular, social, and whole organism perspectives. With a commitment to efficiency, the journal facilitates online submission and review, ensuring timely publication of experimental results. Manuscripts typically undergo peer review and are returned to authors within 30 days of submission. It's worth noting that Brain, Behavior, and Immunity, published eight times a year, does not impose submission fees or page charges, fostering an open and accessible platform for scientific discourse.