Can a Mother’s Gut Health Influence Autism? New Research Sheds Light

Over the past few years, scientists have discovered just how essential our gut microbiome is to our overall health. Research has shown that the trillions of microbes in our intestines can influence everything from how we react to fear and negative stimuli, to our weight, mental health, and even whether we develop autoimmune diseases like lupus or type 1 diabetes.

Now, a new study published in The Journal of Immunology reveals another important connection: the link between the maternal gut microbiome and the neurodevelopmental condition autism. Surprisingly, the research suggests it’s not our own microbiome that’s the key factor—it’s our mother’s.

“The microbiome can shape the developing brain in multiple ways,” said John Lukens, Ph.D., the study’s lead researcher from the University of Virginia School of Medicine. “The microbiome is really important to the calibration of how the offspring’s immune system is going to respond to an infection or injury or stress.”

The Role of IL-17a in Brain Development

Central to this discovery is a molecule called interleukin-17a (IL-17a). Produced by the immune system, IL-17a plays an important role in fighting infections—particularly fungal infections—but has also been linked to autoimmune conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and psoriasis. Now, researchers believe it could influence brain development during pregnancy.

To investigate, the scientists conducted experiments with lab mice. They observed two groups:

• Group 1: Mice with gut microflora that made them prone to an IL-17a inflammatory response.

• Group 2 (Control Group): Mice with normal gut microflora.

When researchers artificially blocked the IL-17a molecule, pups from both groups were born displaying neurotypical behaviors. However, when IL-17a was left active, the pups from mothers in the first group developed autism-like behaviors, including changes in social interactions and repetitive activities.

To strengthen their findings, scientists performed a fecal transplant—transferring the gut bacteria from Group 1 mice into Group 2 mice. The result? The pups of the second group also developed autism-like neurodevelopmental patterns.

This points to the strong influence of the maternal gut microbiome on offspring brain development, at least in mice.

What Does This Mean for Humans?

Although these results are preliminary and were observed in animal models, they open up an intriguing new avenue in autism research. The study provides strong evidence that a mother’s gut health may play a role in the onset of neurodevelopmental conditions.

However, it’s important to note that translating these findings directly to human pregnancies requires further investigation. As Lukens emphasized, IL-17a may only be one piece of a much larger puzzle. There are likely several other molecules and factors at play.

The next step for researchers will be to examine whether similar microbiome-immune interactions occur in humans and to pinpoint exactly which components of the mother’s microbiome are involved.

Final Thoughts

This study adds to a growing body of evidence showing how deeply connected gut health is to all aspects of well-being—even neurodevelopment before birth. While it’s too early to draw firm conclusions for human health, understanding the maternal microbiome’s role in brain development could eventually lead to new strategies for preventing or managing autism and other related conditions.