Researchers report that the cytokine IL-38 inhibits release of proinflammatory molecules from human brain microglia and that IL-38 gene expression was decreased in the amygdala of eight deceased children, ages 3-14 years, with autism spectrum disorder, suggesting that low IL-38 and inflammation in the amygdala may play a role in autism and that IL-38 may represent a possible treatment approach, according to the authors.
Article #20-04666: "IL-38 inhibits microglial inflammatory mediators and is decreased in amygdala of children with autism spectrum disorder," by Irene Tsilioni, Harry Pantazopoulos, Pio Conti, Susan E. Leeman, and Theoharis C. Theoharides.
MEDIA CONTACT: Theoharis C. Theoharides, Tufts University, Boston, MA; e-mail: theoharis.theoharides@tufts.edu
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Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences