Microglia and astrocytes underlie neuroinflammation and synaptic susceptibility in autism spectrum disorder

作者：Yue Xiong, Jianhui Chen, Yingbo Li · 发表于：Frontiers in Neuroscience · 年份：2023 · DOI：10.3389/fnins.2023.1125428 · 被引用次数：101 · 研究领域：Neuroinflammation and Neurodegeneration Mechanisms、Adenosine and Purinergic Signaling、Neurogenesis and neuroplasticity mechanisms

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a common neurodevelopmental disorder with onset in childhood. The mechanisms underlying ASD are unclear. In recent years, the role of microglia and astrocytes in ASD has received increasing attention. Microglia prune the synapses or respond to injury by sequestrating the injury site and expressing inflammatory cytokines. Astrocytes maintain homeostasis in the brain microenvironment through the uptake of ions and neurotransmitters. However, the molecular link between ASD and microglia and, or astrocytes remains unknown. Previous research has shown the significant role of microglia and astrocytes in ASD, with reports of increased numbers of reactive microglia and astrocytes in postmortem tissues and animal models of ASD. Therefore, an enhanced understanding of the roles of microglia and astrocytes in ASD is essential for developing effective therapies. This review aimed to summarize the functions of microglia and astrocytes and their contributions to ASD.