Immune-Dependent Mechanisms of Encephalopathy in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Abstract

In the presented scientific review of publications from the PubMed scientometric database, modern evidence of the association of autism spectrum disorders in children with a genetic folate cycle deficiency is discussed. The evidence base of oxidative stress, immune dysfunction and associated immune dysregulation, infectious, autoimmune, and allergic and immunoinflammatory syndromes in the context of immune-dependent mechanisms of CNS damage in children with autism spectrum disorders is considered. A separate section of the article is devoted to the results of the use of anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and immunotherapeutic interventions in children with autism. At the end of the article, the most priority areas for further clinical trials in the field of neuroimmunology of autism spectrum disorders in children are outlined. The article will be useful to pediatric psychiatrists, pediatric neurologists, clinical immunologists, medical geneticists, pediatricians and family practitioners involved in providing medical care to children with autism.