Identifying cellular sources of altered cytokines in autism

Project: Experimental Development/Translation Research

Project Details

Abstract

Cytokines are small proteins mainly produced by immune cells to coordinate cell-to-cell communications. Current studies provide strong evidence of increased cytokine levels in the circulating blood of individuals with autism in comparison with controls. Importantly, abnormal cytokine levels are correlated with increased severity of autism symptoms. However, the cellular sources of upregulated cytokines in autism remain unclear. In this project, we aim to identify cell-type specific sources of the major cytokines known to be altered in autism. Also, we will investigate the key genes that induce the increased cytokine production in autism, and we will validate these results through in vitro functional assays. This project is expected to have a future potential for developing targeted therapies for autism.

Submitting Institute Name

Hamad Bin Khalifa University (HBKU)
Sponsor's Award NumberIGP5-2022-007
Proposal IDQBRI-CORE-000008
StatusActive
Effective start/end date1/01/2331/12/25

Primary Theme

  • Precision Health

Primary Subtheme

  • PH - Diagnosis Treatment

Secondary Theme

  • None

Secondary Subtheme

  • None

Keywords

  • Autism, Cytokines, Therapeutic targets
  • None

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