A new study published on April 30, 2025, reveals a connection between immune cell dysfunction and synaptic abnormalities in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Researchers have found that macrophages, a type of immune cell, in individuals with ASD exhibit a reduced ability to clear away synaptic material.
The study, led by Dr. Michihiro Toritsuka from Fujita Health University School of Medicine, Japan, indicates that this impairment is linked to decreased expression of the CD209 gene, crucial for recognizing and ingesting synaptic proteins. This suggests that immune dysfunction outside the brain may contribute to synaptic pruning deficits observed in ASD.
These findings could lead to the development of new biomarkers and therapies targeting peripheral immune cells to improve synaptic function in individuals with autism. The research underscores the importance of neuroimmune interactions in understanding and potentially treating ASD, offering a novel avenue for future drug discovery targeting core symptoms of ASD.