Cited by 62Autism Spectrum Disorder ResearchTryptophan and brain disordersGenetics and Neurodevelopmental Disorders

Sex Differences in Neurodevelopmental Disorders: A Key Role for the Immune System

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Breach, Michaela R., Lenz, Kathryn M.·2022·Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences

Abstract

Sex differences are prominent defining features of neurodevelopmental disorders. Understanding the sex biases in these disorders can shed light on mechanisms leading to relative risk and resilience for the disorders, as well as more broadly advance our understanding of how sex differences may relate to brain development. The prevalence of neurodevelopmental disorders is increasing, and the two most common neurodevelopmental disorders, Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) exhibit male-biases in prevalence rates and sex differences in symptomology. While the causes of neurodevelopmental disorders and their sex differences remain to be fully understood, increasing evidence suggests that the immune system plays a critical role in shaping development. In this chapter we discuss sex differences in prevalence and symptomology of ASD and ADHD, review sexual differentiation and immune regulation of neurodevelopment, and discuss findings from human and rodent studies of immune dysregulation and perinatal immune perturbation as they relate to potential mechanisms underlying neurodevelopmental disorders. This chapter will give an overview of how understanding sex differences in neuroimmune function in the context of neurodevelopmental disorders could lend insight into their etiologies and better treatment strategies.

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  • Specific immune alterations such as maternal immune activation and infection, as well as differential cytokine and chemokine profiles, have been linked to neurodevelopmental conditions, particularly autism and ADHD.

    “Specific immune alterations such as maternal immune activation and infection, as well as differential cytokine and chemokine profiles, have been linked to neurodevelopmental conditions, particularly autism and ADHD279.”

    From Sex and gender in neurodevelopmental conditions (2023) · cites this paper as [279]

  • Research on the intersections of sex/gender and immunology in neurodevelopmental conditions remains scarce.

    “Nevertheless, research on the intersections of sex/gender and immunology in neurodevelopmental conditions remains scarce279.”

    From Sex and gender in neurodevelopmental conditions (2023) · cites this paper as [279]

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  1. [113]Pellis SM, Pellis VC, and Bell HC, The Function of Play in the Development of the social Brain. The American Journal of Play, 2010: p. 278– 296.

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Authors
Breach, M. R., & Lenz, K. M.
Affiliations
The Ohio State University (US)
Corresponding author
Lenz, Kathryn M.
Venue
Current Topics in Behavioral Neurosciences
Published
2022
Volume
62
Pages
165-206
ISSN
  • 1866-3370 (ISSN-L)
  • 1866-3389
OpenAlex
W4224238186
Cited by
62
References
296
Citations by year
2026: 23 · 2025: 16 · 2024: 12 · 2023: 8 · 2022: 3
FWCI
30.46
Type
book chapter
Language
en
Open access
Locations
  • Current topics in behavioral neurosciences (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed Central (acceptedVersion)
Funders
  • National Science Foundation
  • National Institute of Mental Health (R21MH105826)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Cognitive Neuroscience › Autism Spectrum Disorder Research
  • Life Sciences › Neuroscience › Biological Psychiatry › Tryptophan and brain disorders
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Genetics › Genetics and Neurodevelopmental Disorders
Keywords
sex differences, neurodevelopmental disorders, autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, immune system, neuroimmunity, sexual differentiation, immune dysregulation, brain development, prevalence, symptomatology
MeSH terms
Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity, Female, Humans, Immune System, Male, Pregnancy, Sex Characteristics, Neurodevelopmental Disorders

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