When researchers blocked IL-17a-related inflammation in pregnant mice, their offspring did not develop the same autism-like behaviors. Changing the mothers’ gut bacteria also affected social and repetitive behaviors in their offspring.
However, the research was conducted in mice, not humans. It does not prove that gut bacteria cause autism in people, and autism is understood to involve a complex combination of genetic and environmental factors.
Researchers hope to study whether similar patterns exist during human pregnancy. For now, these findings should be viewed as an early research lead—not a diagnosis, prevention method, or treatment for autism.
