Alterations of natural killer cells activatory molecules phenotype and function in mothers of ASD children: a pilot study

Introduction Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is accompanied by complex immune alterations and inflammation, the possible role played Natural Killer (NK) in such only barely understood. Methods To address this question we analysed activating inhibitory NK receptors, as well cells phenotype function a group of mothers children who developed ASD (ASD-MO; N=24) comparing results to those obtained healthy did not develop (HC-MO; N=25). Results showed that ASD-MO compared HC-MO: 1) expressing receptor ILT2 are significantly decreased; 2) HLA-G14bp+ polymorphism more frequently observed correlated with decrease ILT2-expressing cells; 3) CD56 bright dim subsets increased; 4) IFNγ TNF production reduced; 5) perforin- granzymes-releasing increased even unstimulated conditions could be upregulated mitogenic stimulation. Discussion herein reinforce hypothesis relatives present traits similar to, but severe defining features (Autism endophenotype) identify for impairment generating inflammatory milieu ASD.