Immune cells and gut bacteria could potentially influence Autism development
In a groundbreaking study published in the prestigious journal Nature Communications, researchers led by Sin-Hyeog et al. have delved into the intricate connection between the gut-brain axis and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The study utilised a germ-free BTBR mouse model for ASD, providing valuable insights into the role of the gut microbiota in ASD-associated behaviours.
The research found that populations of inflammatory brain-resident T cells are significantly reduced in the absence of gut microbiota. This discovery underscores the importance of a healthy gut microbiota in maintaining brain function and behaviour.
The study also identified several microbial and metabolic regulators of ASD, particularly those relevant to the glutamate/GABA ratio and 3-hydroxyglutaric acid. Notably, the study proposed Limosilactobacillus reuteri IMB015 (IMB015) as a potential probiotic candidate.
Administration of IMB015 was found to reduce the glutamate/GABA ratio and neuroinflammation, leading to improved behaviours. This suggests that IMB015 could play a significant role in treating ASD.
However, it's important to note that a specific research group investigating the connection between gut bacteria spectrum, immune defense, and autism spectrum disorders, as well as identifying probiotic strains for treating ASD, was not explicitly named in the provided search results. As a result, no direct information about such a research group or probiotic strains for ASD treatment is available from these sources.
The study's findings also revealed that the absence of gut microbiota in male mice ameliorates ASD-associated behaviours. Furthermore, CD4 T cell depletion mitigates neuroinflammation and ASD behaviours, suggesting a gut-immune-brain axis.
In conclusion, this study provides compelling evidence for the role of the gut microbiota in ASD and offers a potential probiotic candidate for ASD treatment. Further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore the use of IMB015 as a therapeutic option for ASD.
