1. The mast cells - Cytokines axis in Autism Spectrum Disorder.
- Author
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Kovacheva, Eleonora, Gevezova, Maria, Maes, Michael, and Sarafian, Victoria
- Subjects
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AUTISM spectrum disorders , *MAST cells , *TRYPTASE , *CYTOKINES , *SOCIAL skills , *MOLECULAR interactions , *KOUNIS syndrome , *CYTOKINE receptors - Abstract
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disturbance, diagnosed in early childhood. It is associated with varying degrees of dysfunctional communication and social skills, repetitive and stereotypic behaviors. Regardless of the constant increase in the number of diagnosed patients, there are still no established treatment schemes in global practice. Many children with ASD have allergic symptoms, often in the absence of mast cell (MC) positive tests. Activation of MCs may release molecules related to inflammation and neurotoxicity, which contribute to the pathogenesis of ASD. The aim of the present paper is to enrich the current knowledge regarding the relationship between MCs and ASD by providing PPI network analysis-based data that reveal key molecules and immune pathways associated with MCs in the pathogenesis of autism. Network and enrichment analyzes were performed using receptor information and secreted molecules from activated MCs identified in ASD patients. Our analyses revealed cytokines and key marker molecules for MCs degranulation, molecular pathways of key mediators released during cell degranulation, as well as various receptors. Understanding the relationship between ASD and the activation of MCs, as well as the involved molecules and interactions, is important for elucidating the pathogenesis of ASD and developing effective future treatments for autistic patients by discovering new therapeutic target molecules. • PPI networks of key molecules and immune pathways related to MCs in ASD. • Involvement of receptors for MCs degranulation markers, TPSAB1 and cytokines in ASD. • Novel therapeutic strategies for ASD based on MCs and their molecular interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2024
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