Recently there has been increasing evidence for involvement of the immune system in autism. Piecemeal evidence over the past 30 years suggests dysregulation of the peripheral immune system in autism, and recent results highlight neuroinflammation in the central nervous system. There is also emerging evidence from animal studies that illustrates how the immune system can influence behaviors related to autism. Therefore, it is a key point in time to consider how these findings may be relevant for autism, not only for guiding research directions but also for potential treatments. Cure Autism Now and Autism Speaks jointly sponsored a Workshop on Autism and Immunology in January 2007 (Pasadena, CA). This was the first workshop of its kind. The research meeting brought together a small group of eminent scientists to discuss the potential role of the immune system in autism and to project the needs for research in the field. The primary goals of the Workshop were to evaluate the state of knowledge about the potential role of immunological factors in the pathogenesis of autism, and to outline critical areas of future research that can both clarify the relationship of such factors to autism and investigate their potential relevance for therapeutic interventions. The twenty six participants represented a wide range of expertise, including immunology, developmental neurobiology, pathology, auto-immune and gastro-intestinal diseases, epidemiology and clinical studies of autism. By having invited workshop participants from both within as well as from outside autism, the intent was to now extend awareness and investigation of potential immunological issues to beyond the autism research community.

(Sponsored by a generation donation from Mr. Peter Emch)

For more details, see the summary article in our Science News section of the Web site.

To read abstracts of current and past CAN-funded grants that are related to the role of the immune system in autism, please click here.

For independent coverage of the Autism and Immunology Workshop by the Dana Press in its "Immunology in the News" publication, please click here.