ABSTRACT

Introduction: Autism spectrum disorder (ASD), as a wide spectrum of neurodevelopmental disorders, is characterized by early-onset impairments in social-communication, repetitive behaviors, and restrictive interests.

Areas covered: Although still unknown, there are some pieces of evidence suggesting altered immune function in the etiology of ASD. This review aims to summarize studies linking Natural Killer (NK) cells to ASD by searching through databases like MEDLINE and Scopus up to October 2020. NK cells play important roles in the innate immune system and immune regulation. As parts of the immune system, they interact with the neural system as well. Immune dysregulations such as autoimmunity and improper immune responses to both internal and external stimulations, especially in early developmental stages of the brain, may induce neurodevelopmental disorders. NK cells’ dysfunction in children with ASD as well as their parents have been highlighted in many studies.

Expert opinion: Changes in the frequency, gene expressions, cytotoxicity features, and receptors of NK cells are reported in children with ASD. Immune therapy for children with ASD with immune abnormality has shown promising results. However, further studies are needed to elucidate the exact role of NK cells in the pathogenesis of ASD providing future treatment options for these children.

摘要

简介：自闭症谱系障碍（ASD）是一种广泛的神经发育障碍，其特征是早发性社交交流障碍、重复行为和限制性兴趣。

涵盖的领域：虽然仍然未知，但有一些证据表明 ASD 病因中的免疫功能改变。本综述旨在通过搜索 MEDLINE 和 Scopus 等数据库，总结截至 2020 年 10 月将自然杀伤 (NK) 细胞与 ASD 联系起来的研究。NK 细胞在先天免疫系统和免疫调节中发挥重要作用。作为免疫系统的一部分，它们也与神经系统相互作用。免疫失调如自身免疫和对内部和外部刺激的不当免疫反应，尤其是在大脑的早期发育阶段，可能会诱发神经发育障碍。许多研究都强调了 ASD 儿童及其父母的 NK 细胞功能障碍。

专家意见：据报道，ASD 儿童中 NK 细胞的频率、基因表达、细胞毒性特征和受体发生了变化。对患有免疫异常的 ASD 儿童进行免疫治疗已显示出可喜的结果。然而，需要进一步的研究来阐明 NK 细胞在 ASD 发病机制中的确切作用，为这些儿童提供未来的治疗选择。