Reelin cells and sex-dependent synaptopathology in autism following postnatal immune activation

Researchers found that infections in newborn mice, particularly males, can disrupt brain development and lead to autism-like behaviors by damaging special brain cells called Reelin+ cells that help synapses mature properly. These damaged synapses failed to develop normally, resulting in social withdrawal and repetitive behaviors similar to autism in humans. Importantly, the study found that male mice were much more susceptible to this immune-triggered damage than female mice. The findings suggest that Reelin could be a promising therapeutic target for treating autism in children who experienced infections early in life.