Front Matter

Neuroantigens/Abs

LDHA/B

STIPl

CRMPl

OTR

AVPR

Immune
system

Dendritic

cells

Migration

to the CNS

Protective

(destructive)

Neurodegeneration

Immune response to

released antigens from

fetal brain

Figure 8.3 An autoimmune hypothetical model of the immunopathogenesis of ASD:
The role of the immune system in a primary neurodegenerative scenario. The figure
illustrates the molecular and immunological mechanism by which autoimmunity can play
a role in development of ASD. The middle section shows the leakage of selective brain
antigens passing through the placental barrier (green). Top left shows antibodies to the
leaked fetal neroantigens (i.e., LDH, YBX1, cypin, STIP1, CRMP1 and CRMP2) from the brain
after an environmental injury. The maternal adaptive immune system develop antibodies to
these neuroantigens and maternal autoantibodies cross the feto‐amniotic barrier (shown in
green) and enters the brain, causing damage to the fetal brain only in selected areas.