Maternal immune activation: Implications for neuropsychiatric disorders

Epidemiological evidence implicates maternal infection as a risk factor for autism spectrum disorder and schizophrenia. Animal models corroborate this link and demonstrate that maternal immune activation (MIA) alone is sufficient to impart lifelong neuropathology and altered behaviors in offspring. This Review describes common principles revealed by these models, highlighting recent findings that strengthen their relevance for schizophrenia and autism and are starting to reveal the molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of MIA on offspring. The role of MIA as a primer for a much wider range of psychiatric and neurologic disorders is also discussed. Finally, the need for more research in this nascent field…

• SF
  Simons Foundation

  Award: 321998
• NI
  National Institute of Mental Health

  Award: P50-MH106438-01
• NI
  National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

  Award: R01-NS060125-05