The State of Innate and Acquired Immunity in Children with Psychotic Forms of Autistic Spectrum Disorders

Serum samples were collected from children suffering from psychotic forms of autistic disorders – childhood autism (F84.02) and atypical childhood psychosis (F84.11) – and measures of innate and acquired immunity were assessed, i.e., leukocyte elastase activity, α1-proteinase inhibitor, C-reactive protein, and antibodies to nerve growth factor and myelin basic protein. Activation of innate immunity (increases in acute-phase inflammatory protein levels and activities) were seen in childhood psychosis. In more severe mental disorders such as atypical endogenous childhood psychoses, activation of both innate and acquired immunity was seen (increases in anti-neuroantigen antibody levels). A correlation between immunological and clinical measures was seen, which provided grounds for suggesting the involvement of innate and acquired immunity in the development of autistic and cognitive impairments in these children.