Case Report: Cytokine and CD4+ T-Cell Profiles of Monozygotic Twins With Autism and Divergent Comorbidities and Drug Treatment
Published online on April 15, 2014
Abstract
Autism spectrum disorders are neurodevelopmental disorders that are thought to be caused by a gene-by-environment interaction and in which various immune alterations are reported. We investigate CD4+ T-cell cytokine profiles and subpopulations in 19-year-old monozygotic twins with autism and different comorbidities. CD4+ T cells from the twin with epilepsy produce more interferon-gamma, less interleukin-17, and have an increased interferon-/interleukin-4 ratio. CD4+ T cells from the twin with multiple sclerosis exhibit a cytokine profile similar to an age and gender-matched control and a higher percentage of T regulatory (Treg) cells. The twins’ mother’s T cells produce very high levels of both interleukin-17 and interferon-. Cytokine and CD4+ T-cell abnormalities in the twins could contribute to or be a result of the manifestation of their divergent comorbidities. A proinflammatory, autoimmune-polarized cytokine profile is observed in this unique family with autism.