In recent years, scientists have increasingly focused on the powerful role the gut microbiome plays in overall health. Research suggests that the trillions of microorganisms living in our digestive system influence far more than digestion alone.
From mental well-being and stress responses to autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes, gut health appears to have a wide-reaching impact on the body.
A study published in the The Journal of Immunology adds new insight into the possible relationship between the microbiome and autism.
According to the World Health Organization, autism is a group of developmental conditions that affect brain development, particularly social interaction and communication. Many individuals with autism may also experience co-occurring conditions such as epilepsy, anxiety, depression, and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). Intellectual abilities can vary significantly from person to person.
The Role of the Mother’s Microbiome
The study suggests that a mother’s gut microbiota may have a stronger influence on autism development than the child’s own microbiome.
“The microbiome can shape the developing brain in multiple ways,” explained John Lukens from the University of Virginia School of Medicine. He noted that the microbiome helps calibrate how a developing immune system responds to infection, injury, or stress.
Researchers focused on a molecule produced by the immune system called interleukin-17a (IL-17a). This molecule, known as a cytokine, plays a role in inflammatory responses. It has previously been linked to conditions such as psoriasis, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. It also plays an important role in protecting the body from fungal infections.
However, emerging evidence suggests IL-17a may also influence brain development during pregnancy.
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