Intervention and research progress of gut microbiota-immune-nervous system in autism spectrum disorders among students

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social interaction and communication, repetitive and stereotyped behaviors, restricted interests, and sensory abnormalities. Its etiology is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, with no...

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Main Authors: Min Zhou, Baoming Niu, Jiarui Ma, Yukang Ge, Yanxin Han, Wenrui Wu, Changwu Yue
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2025-03-01
Series:Frontiers in Microbiology
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Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2025.1535455/full
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author Min Zhou
Baoming Niu
Jiarui Ma
Yukang Ge
Yanxin Han
Wenrui Wu
Changwu Yue
author_facet Min Zhou
Baoming Niu
Jiarui Ma
Yukang Ge
Yanxin Han
Wenrui Wu
Changwu Yue
author_sort Min Zhou
collection DOAJ
description Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social interaction and communication, repetitive and stereotyped behaviors, restricted interests, and sensory abnormalities. Its etiology is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, with no definitive cause identified and no specific pharmacological treatments available, posing a significant burden on patients’ families and society. In recent years, research has discovered that gut microbiota dysbiosis plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of ASD. The gut microbiota can influence brain function and behavior through the gut-brain axis via the nervous system, immune system, and metabolic pathways. On the one hand, specific gut microbes such as Clostridium and Prevotella species are found to be abnormal in ASD patients, and their metabolic products, like short-chain fatty acids, serotonin, and GABA, are also involved in the pathological process of ASD. On the other hand, ASD patients exhibit immune system dysfunction, with gut immune cells and related cytokines affecting neural activities in the brain. Currently, intervention methods targeting the gut microbiota, such as probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation, have shown some potential in improving ASD symptoms. However, more studies are needed to explore their long-term effects and optimal treatment protocols. This paper reviews the mechanisms and interrelationships among gut microbiota, immune system, and nervous system in ASD and discusses the challenges and future directions of existing research, aiming to provide new insights for the prevention and treatment of ASD.
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spelling doaj-art-5c1b5d4fbdee44c1a4465d90940eb3cb2025-08-20T02:52:26ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Microbiology1664-302X2025-03-011610.3389/fmicb.2025.15354551535455Intervention and research progress of gut microbiota-immune-nervous system in autism spectrum disorders among studentsMin Zhou0Baoming Niu1Jiarui Ma2Yukang Ge3Yanxin Han4Wenrui Wu5Changwu Yue6Yan’an Key Laboratory of Microbial Drug Innovation and Transformation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Yan’an University, Yan’an, ChinaSchool of Petroleum Engineering and Environmental Science, Yan’an University, Yan’an, ChinaYan’an Key Laboratory of Microbial Drug Innovation and Transformation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Yan’an University, Yan’an, ChinaYan’an Key Laboratory of Microbial Drug Innovation and Transformation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Yan’an University, Yan’an, ChinaYan’an Key Laboratory of Microbial Drug Innovation and Transformation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Yan’an University, Yan’an, ChinaYan’an Key Laboratory of Microbial Drug Innovation and Transformation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Yan’an University, Yan’an, ChinaYan’an Key Laboratory of Microbial Drug Innovation and Transformation, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Yan’an University, Yan’an, ChinaAutism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by difficulties in social interaction and communication, repetitive and stereotyped behaviors, restricted interests, and sensory abnormalities. Its etiology is influenced by both genetic and environmental factors, with no definitive cause identified and no specific pharmacological treatments available, posing a significant burden on patients’ families and society. In recent years, research has discovered that gut microbiota dysbiosis plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of ASD. The gut microbiota can influence brain function and behavior through the gut-brain axis via the nervous system, immune system, and metabolic pathways. On the one hand, specific gut microbes such as Clostridium and Prevotella species are found to be abnormal in ASD patients, and their metabolic products, like short-chain fatty acids, serotonin, and GABA, are also involved in the pathological process of ASD. On the other hand, ASD patients exhibit immune system dysfunction, with gut immune cells and related cytokines affecting neural activities in the brain. Currently, intervention methods targeting the gut microbiota, such as probiotics, prebiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation, have shown some potential in improving ASD symptoms. However, more studies are needed to explore their long-term effects and optimal treatment protocols. This paper reviews the mechanisms and interrelationships among gut microbiota, immune system, and nervous system in ASD and discusses the challenges and future directions of existing research, aiming to provide new insights for the prevention and treatment of ASD.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2025.1535455/fullgut microbiotaautismimmune systemnervous systemgut-brain axis
spellingShingle Min Zhou
Baoming Niu
Jiarui Ma
Yukang Ge
Yanxin Han
Wenrui Wu
Changwu Yue
Intervention and research progress of gut microbiota-immune-nervous system in autism spectrum disorders among students
Frontiers in Microbiology
gut microbiota
autism
immune system
nervous system
gut-brain axis
title Intervention and research progress of gut microbiota-immune-nervous system in autism spectrum disorders among students
title_full Intervention and research progress of gut microbiota-immune-nervous system in autism spectrum disorders among students
title_fullStr Intervention and research progress of gut microbiota-immune-nervous system in autism spectrum disorders among students
title_full_unstemmed Intervention and research progress of gut microbiota-immune-nervous system in autism spectrum disorders among students
title_short Intervention and research progress of gut microbiota-immune-nervous system in autism spectrum disorders among students
title_sort intervention and research progress of gut microbiota immune nervous system in autism spectrum disorders among students
topic gut microbiota
autism
immune system
nervous system
gut-brain axis
url https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fmicb.2025.1535455/full
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