Role of glial cells in autism spectrum disorder: Molecular mechanism and therapeutic approaches

Introduction

Emerging evidence suggests that glial cells may play a pivotal role in neuroanatomical and behavioral changes found in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Many individuals with ASD experience neuro-immune system abnormalities throughout life, which implicates the potential role of microglia in the pathogenesis of ASD. Dysfunctional astrocytes and oligodendrocytes have been shown to contribute to neurochemical imbalances and modify axonal conduction in ASD. Altogether, it is suggested that alterations in axons and myelin, as well as exacerbated inflammation, play a major role in the clinical severity of ASD. Abnormal development in myelination has been found in animal models and humans of ASD. Similarly, a disruption found in astrocyte and microglia function in ASD is connected to impaired neurotransmitter metabolism, altered synaptogenesis, and neuroinflammation. Therefore, it is important to understand the role of glial cells and their contribution to the ASD phenotype. Moreover, there are no Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved pharmacological treatments for ASD. Therefore, further research on the role of glial cells involved in mediating neuroinflammation, aberrant myelination, and neurotransmission and targeting their modulation as a strategy for disease-modifying treatment is important in treating ASD symptoms.

Keywords

autism, glial cells, neuroinflammation, therapeutics, myelination, biomarkers.

Sub-topics