Project Summary

David G. Amaral, Ph.D. (Distinguished Investigator 2008) of the University of California, Davis, plans to conduct research to obtain corroborating evidence implicating antibodies in some mothers as a possible cause of autism in their children. The role of the maternal immune system in fetal neurodevelopment is an active area of research. Maternal antibodies called IgG cross the placenta to equip the fetus with immune protection. Among other related studies, it was recently reported that IgG antibodies derived from a human mother with a number of autistic children showed immunoreactivity to neurons in the rodent cortex, and mice injected during gestation with that mother’s serum produced offspring with behavioral deficits. Dr. Amaral and his group have recently begun comparable studies with rhesus monkeys that are showing promising results. To move this model forward, he wants to answer a number of questions; for example, what is the specific antigen, or molecular target, of the antibodies, and the antibodies selective for specific brain regions or cell types. The hope is that this research could help toward identification of risk factors and possible preventive strategies for at least one type of autism.

Program Area: PERVASIVE DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS\Autism

Search Again