The causes of autism are not well-understood, but researchers believe that the dysregulation of neuro-immune cross-talk and neuroinflammation may be to blame. It is for these reasons that researchers have been looking more closely at stem cell treatment for autism spectrum disorders. Currently, there are three types of stem cell treatment that are being studied for autism treatment.
Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC)
Mesenchymal stem cells, or MSC, are the primary cell type used to treat inflammation and autoimmune disease. One primary advantage of MSC is that it’s “immune privileged.” In other words, these stem cells do not trigger the patient’s immune system. Being immune privileged eliminates the need for donor matching.
While some patients do develop antibodies against the donor, the response is low enough not to trigger symptoms.
MSCs have immunomodulatory and paracrine secretion properties that make them potential candidates for autism treatment. Cultured MSCs secrete:
- Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)
- Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)
- Hepatocyte growth factor
- Nerve growth factor
However, they also seem to have neuroprotective effects and other properties that make them an appealing choice for treating autism.
Sources of MSC
In clinical trials, the primary sources of MSC are:
- Fat tissue
- Umbilical cord tissue
- Bone marrow
Effectiveness of MSC in Autism Treatment
In recent years, there’s been quite a bit of stem cell research for autism treatment relating to MSCs. Thus far, the research has been promising.
A recent study by Lv et al examined the safety and efficacy of using umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells (UCMSCs) as well as human cord blood mononuclear cells (CBMNCs) in treating children with autism. The results showed that UCMSCs and CBMNCs were not only safe to use but also led to significant improvements in the:
- Aberrant Behavior Checklist
- Childhood Autism Rating Scale
- Clinical Global Impression Scale
Of course, this is just one study of many. However, MSC stem cells are promising as a treatment for autism.
Exosomes
Exosomes are crucial for their ability to carry nucleic acids between cell-to-cell contact.
What Are Exosomes and Their Role in Stem Cell Therapy?
Stem cell treatment for autism shows promise, and exosomes may also assist with the genetic transfer of information and proteins through the cells. The role of exosomes is to assist with cell communication and the creation of these paths.
Exosomes Sources
Exosomes are nano-sized vesicles that are secreted by virtually all cells. They can be derived from:
- Bone marrow
- Umbilical cord
- Immune cells
The Potential of Exosomes in Treating Autism
Stem cell therapy for autism treatment is evolving as more research and testing is done to determine efficacy. Being non-invasive, this is a promising treatment option for anyone with autoimmune disorders.
- Ease of passing through the blood-brain barrier, allowing for targeted brain tissue applications. Reduction in tissue inflammation is crucial to the properties that exosomes offer.
- Myocardial ischemia prevention, thanks to the cell’s ability to balance cardiac processes.
For autism, exosomes offer better at-home conduct with the help of lower hyperactivity and repeated, obsessive behaviors.
Researchers are witnessing an improvement in autism, including:
- Better communication for children
- Increase in focus and attention span
- Patients are better able to care for themselves
- Reduction in inflammation relating to gastrointestinal issues
Even sleeping habits tend to improve with stem cell therapy for autism.
Macrophages
Macrophages are mediators and offer protective functions in many diseases. Activating these cells offers protection against harmful organisms and bacteria.
Sources of Macrophages for Therapy
Macrophages are derived from monocytes. These cells are in your tissues and blood already, and they’re a white blood cell that will help:
- Treat injury
- Prevent infection
Stem cells are derived from multiple sources, often from tissue, cornea or the skin.
Safety and Considerations in Using Macrophages for Treatment
Treatments using macrophages are a major topic in research because of the cell type’s ability to easily move through the body. Immune cell-based treatment options offer cell therapy applications that allow the cells to clear out pathogens and harmful material from cells.
Signals allow the cell to rapidly change its function.
Research has primarily been focused on the ability of these cells to regenerate tissues and clear cancer cells. Unfortunately, little-to-no research on macrophages and their safety has been published as it pertains to autism.
The Bottom Line
Stem cell therapy for autism treatment is still on the brink of a major breakthrough. Researchers continue to experiment and test multiple treatment options to better understand how stem cells can help people with autism.
For children, therapy seems to be safe and effective, according to recent research.
Positive results for patients with autism are possible with the right stem cell treatments. However, you need to work with a specialist who can develop a sound plan that works best for your – or your child’s – autism.
