Scientists are uncovering fascinating connections between gut health and brain development, with new research suggesting a mother’s microbiome could play a key role in autism. A study published in The Journal of Immunology found that the bacteria living in a mother’s gut may impact her child’s likelihood of developing autism—even more than the child’s own microbiome.
The study focused on a specific immune molecule called IL-17a, which has been linked to inflammatory conditions like psoriasis and rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers discovered that this molecule also affects fetal brain development. When they blocked IL-17a in pregnant mice, their offspring showed typical behavior. But when the molecule was active, the pups later displayed autism-like symptoms, including social and repetitive behavior differences.
To confirm the findings, scientists transferred gut bacteria from mice prone to inflammation to healthy mice. The offspring of the second group then developed similar neurological differences, proving the microbiome’s influence.
While more research is needed to confirm these effects in humans, the study opens new doors for understanding autism. Lead researcher John Lukens suggests the next step is identifying exactly which parts of the microbiome matter most—and whether the same connections exist in people.
