Immune related factors in pathogenesis of autism spectrum disorders.

OBJECTIVE: Etiology of Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) is insufficiently known. It is suggested that genes play a crucial role in ASD but additional environmental factors to exacerbate the syndrome are needed. Recently, the inflammatory factors in ASD that may predispose to the disorder attract a great attention. Therefore, the aim of this article was to review the literature on the possible association of the immune system malfunctions with the risk of developing ASD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Available articles from PubMed and Google Scholar were analyzed using time descriptors: 1996-2015 and key words: autism spectrum disorder, cytokines and immune system. RESULTS: Individuals with ASD demonstrate aberrant immune response in central nervous system, peripheral blood and gastrointestinal tract. CONCLUSIONS: Immune malfunctions may play a role in developing ASD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]