Affiliation:
1. Laboratory of Pharmacology and Brain Pathology IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital Rozzano, Milano Italy
2. CNR Institute of Neuroscience, Sede Milano Rozzano Italy
3. Department of Biomedical Sciences Humanitas University Pieve Emanuele (MI) Italy
Abstract
AbstractIn the last two decades, the term synaptopathy has been largely used to underline the concept that impairments of synaptic structure and function are the major determinant of brain disorders, including neurodevelopmental disorders. This notion emerged from the progress made in understanding the genetic architecture of neurodevelopmental disorders, which highlighted the convergence of genetic risk factors onto molecular pathways specifically localized at the synapse. However, the multifactorial origin of these disorders also indicated the key contribution of environmental factors. It is well recognized that inflammation is a risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders, and several immune molecules critically contribute to synaptic dysfunction. In the present review, we highlight this concept, which we define by the term “immune‐synaptopathy,” and we discuss recent evidence suggesting a bi‐directional link between the genetic architecture of individuals and maternal activation of the immune system in modulating brain developmental trajectories in health and disease.
Publisher
Springer Science and Business Media LLC
Subject
General Immunology and Microbiology,General Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology,Molecular Biology,General Neuroscience