How sex differences in a specific type of brain cell may lead to autism
Sex dependent dysregulation of parvalbumin interneurons as a pathway to Autism Spectrum Disorder
This work looks at whether maternal anti-brain antibodies change a key inhibitory brain cell differently in males and females and thereby contribute to autism.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Feinstein Institute for Medical Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Manhasset, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11196768 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers use a mouse model where mothers are exposed to human Caspr2 protein to produce anti-Caspr2 antibodies during pregnancy and then study the offspring. They focus on parvalbumin-expressing interneurons (PVIs) in the developing hippocampus and compare male and female brains and behaviors. The team examines cell numbers, synaptic structure, and related behaviors to trace how maternal antibodies might alter development. Findings aim to explain the male-specific brain changes seen in prior antibody-exposure experiments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: The human groups most relevant to this work are mothers who harbor anti-brain (anti-Caspr2) antibodies and families affected by autism, especially those with male children.
Not a fit: People whose autism is unrelated to maternal anti-brain antibodies or who do not have these antibodies are less likely to directly benefit from these findings in the near term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal a maternal antibody-driven pathway that helps explain why autism is more common in males and point toward prevention or treatment strategies for antibody-related autism.
How similar studies have performed: Previous preclinical studies, including work from this group, have shown that maternal anti-Caspr2 antibodies can produce male-specific structural and behavioral changes in offspring, so this builds on existing animal evidence.
Where this research is happening
Manhasset, United States
- Feinstein Institute for Medical Research — Manhasset, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brimberg, Lior — Feinstein Institute for Medical Research
- Study coordinator: Brimberg, Lior
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.