A new study in The Journal of Immunology suggests a strong connection between a mother’s gut microbiota and the development of autism in her offspring.
Researchers from the University of Virginia found that a molecule called interleukin-17a (IL-17a), produced by the immune system, plays a key role in shaping brain development. IL-17a has been linked to various autoimmune diseases and infections, and now possibly to autism.
In experiments with mice, offspring developed autism-like behaviors only if their mothers had a certain type of gut microbiota that triggered IL-17a-related inflammation. Suppressing IL-17a prevented these behaviors.
To confirm the link, researchers transplanted gut bacteria from affected mice into healthy ones. The result? Their offspring also showed autism-like symptoms.
Though it’s early research, this study highlights the potential impact of maternal gut health on neurodevelopment. Lead researcher John Lukens says future studies will focus on pinpointing exactly which microbiome components are involved—and whether similar links exist in humans.
