Multiple factors can contribute to ASD development and mutations lead to increased activation of the target of rapamycin (mTOR). Overactivation of mTOR leads to deficits in communication between neurons in the brain and immune impairments.
Thus mTOR may be a critical factor linking the gut-brain immune axis in ASD. Pharmacological inhibition of mTOR has been shown to improve behavior and immune function associated with ASD but clinical use is limited due to severe side effects. Studies have shown that mTOR activation can also be modified by nutritional stimuli and in particular by amino acids, as well as decreasing inflammation, improving intestinal barrier function and modifying microbiota behavior.
It is described here that amino acids can modulate the intestinal immune barrier, tune the mucosal immune system probably by influencing the mTOR pathway in immune cells. They can also influence neuroinflammatory processes and direct aberrant mTOR signaling in the brain and thus influence neuronal activity and disturbed behavior associated with ASD. They can also modify the intestinal microbial composition.
Year: 2019
Nationality: USA
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