Neuroglia are a large class of neural cells of ectodermal (astroglia, oligodendroglia, and peripheral glial cells) and mesodermal (microglia) origin. Neuroglial cells provide homeostatic support, protection, and defense to the nervous tissue. Pathological potential of neuroglia has been acknowledged since their discovery. Research of the recent decade has shown the key role of all classes of glial cells in autism spectrum disorders (ASD), although molecular mechanisms defining glial contribution to ASD are yet to be fully characterized. This narrative conceptualizes recent findings of the broader roles of glial cells, including their active participation in the control of cerebral environment and regulation of synaptic development and scaling, highlighting their putative involvement in the etiopathogenesis of ASD.

神经胶质细胞是外胚层（星形胶质细胞，少突胶质细胞和周围神经胶质细胞）和中胚层（小胶质细胞）来源的一大类神经细胞。神经胶质细胞为神经组织提供体内平衡的支持，保护和防御。自发现以来，神经胶质的病理学潜力已得到认可。尽管确定胶质对ASD的贡献的分子机制尚未完全阐明，但最近十年的研究表明，所有类型的胶质细胞在自闭症谱系障碍（ASD）中均起着关键作用。该叙述概念化了神经胶质细胞更广泛作用的最新发现，包括神经胶质细胞的活跃参与对脑环境的控制以及突触发育和结垢的调节，突显了它们在ASD的发病机制中的作用。