There has been a major scientific breakthrough made in the fight against Autism after scientists in the U.S. say they have made a huge discovery that could restore normal brain activity in autistic babies.
Leading scientists at New York University say they have identified a certain set of specific cells that produce a chemical that plays a role in how the disorder develops in the brains of babies. During the extensive and controlled study researchers conducted a number of tests that specifically blocked those cells in pregnant mice, the results showed that they were able to restore normal brain structure in the brains of the offspring.
The huge discovery now supports the theory that viral infections during pregnancy can play a role in how the disorder develops, they also say the discovery now gives them the basis to continue their research in the hope of reversing, or perhaps even curing, the disorder.
It is thought the study centred on T lymphocytes, which are immune cells that rally to fight infections in the body. A subset of these cells, Th17 cells, release a protein (IL-17a) that fends off infections. Although, if the levels of the above protein are too high, or on the wrong track, they can lead to autoimmune diseases such as asthma and inflammatory bowel disease. Scientists say the newly published research found that activation of Th17 cells and the production of protein play a role in creating behavioural abnormalities as well.
According to the published study, author Dan Littman and his team injected mice with an acid that mimics a viral infection to cause the pregnant mice’s immune system to produce IL-17a. The resulting tests made the Mice exposed to higher IL-17a levels in the womb exhibited autism-like symptoms: they had trouble telling the difference between another live mouse and a toy; exhibited repetitive, compulsive behaviours; and social interaction with their mothers and other mice differed. However, blocking the action of Th17 cells completely restored normal structure and function to the brains of the study offspring.
A delighted Littman told the reporters the study results would contribute towards “future efforts to prevent autism” but stressed it may be many years before a treatment could be developed.