Hypothesis:

1. Immunodeficiencies as a Cause of a Compromised Immune System:

• Primary immunodeficiencies, which are disorders in which the immune system does not function properly, could be a key factor in the development of a compromised immune system. Examples of these immunodeficiencies include specific antibody deficiencies and hypogammaglobulinemias among others.
• In specific antibody deficiencies, the body does not produce enough antibodies or they are ineffective, leading to increased vulnerability to infections.
• Hypogammaglobulinemia, on the other hand, is characterized by low levels of immunoglobulins in the blood, an essential component for an effective immune response.

2. Relationship with the Production of Autoantibodies against Type 1 Interferon:

• These immunodeficiencies could be involved in the origin of the production of autoantibodies against type 1 interferon. The underlying immune dysfunction in these conditions could trigger an abnormal autoimmune response, including the production of autoantibodies.
• Autoantibodies against type 1 interferon may arise as a dysregulated attempt by the immune system to compensate or respond to its compromised state. Instead of protecting the body, these autoantibodies neutralize a key molecule in antiviral defense, exacerbating susceptibility to viral infections.

3. Blood Brain Barrier Permeability:

• Autoantibodies and immune dysfunction could increase blood-brain barrier (BBB) permeability.
• A more permeable BBB allows the entry of pathogens and substances that would not normally pass through the central nervous system (CNS), potentially including viruses.

4. Chronic Low Grade Viral Infection:

• The combination of a compromised BBB and a weakened immune system could favor the establishment of a chronic low-grade viral infection in the CNS.
• This persistent infection could interfere with normal brain function.

5. Results in Autistic Symptoms:

• Alterations in the CNS caused by chronic infection and immune dysfunction may manifest in symptoms that resemble those of ASD.

Proposed Treatment and Observed Improvement

• Use of Antivirals (such as Valtrex):
  • Treatment with antivirals seeks to reduce the viral load in the CNS, addressing chronic viral infection.
• Intravenous immunoglobulins:
  • Intravenous immunoglobulins are used to modulate the immune system, enhancing its ability to fight infections and correcting the imbalance caused by autoantibodies.
• Observation of Improvement:
  • With this treatment approach, a gradual improvement in patients' autistic symptoms is observed, supporting the hypothesis that these symptoms could be related to immune system dysfunction rather than traditionally understood autism.

Implications of the Theory

• This theory suggests that in some cases, what is diagnosed as ASD could actually be a manifestation of underlying immunological and neurological dysfunctions.
• It underlines the importance of a detailed medical evaluation in patients with ASD, especially in those with atypical symptoms or a history of immunological dysfunctions.

Disclaimer:

It is important to note that the theory presented above is hypothetical and should not be construed as an established medical statement or conclusion. This theory has been formulated for the purposes of discussion and intellectual exploration and is not based on conclusive scientific research. Although it integrates known concepts about primary immunodeficiencies, type 1 interferon autoantibodies, blood-brain barrier permeability, and autism spectrum disorders, its clinical application and validity must be evaluated and confirmed through rigorous scientific research.

Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are complex and multifactorial conditions, and their etiology and manifestations vary significantly between individuals. This theory is not intended to offer a universal explanation for all cases of ASD, nor does it suggest that all cases of ASD are related to immune dysfunctions.

We leave you here a link to an Instagram post where we talk a little more about Neurodevelopment, the different pathologies that can affect it and their possible causes.

Also in our blog You can find articles related to these topics and other health areas.

Author: Natàlia Mármol. Director of Enevia Health.