Trends Immunol. 2025 Oct 25:S1471-4906(25)00245-5. doi: 10.1016/j.it.2025.10.001. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Maternal immune activation (MIA), triggered by infection or inflammation during pregnancy, is a well-recognized risk factor for neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Clinical cohort studies and rodent models suggest that natural killer (NK) cells play a significant role in NDD pathogenesis, but the underlying mechanisms remain poorly defined. Here, we summarize the key immune mediators involved in MIA-induced NDDs, emphasizing microglia as a central hub. We then examine emerging evidence implicating aberrant NK cell activation in ASD, underscoring their overlooked contribution to impaired neurodevelopment. Finally, we discuss potential mechanisms of NK cell-microglia crosstalk in NDDs. Elucidating these interactions in the context of MIA will be crucial for developing preventive and therapeutic strategies against inflammation-driven NDDs.

PMID:41139560 | DOI:10.1016/j.it.2025.10.001