Antibodies against the voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) and its protective ligand hexokinase-I in children with autism

作者：Gonzalez Gronow Mario^*; Cuchacovich Miguel; Francos Rina; Cuchacovich Stephanie; del Pilar Fernandez Maria; Blanco Angel; Bowers Edith V; Kaczowka Steven; Pizzo Salvatore V

来源：Journal of Neuroimmunology, 2010, 227(1-2): 153-161.

DOI：10.1016/j.jneuroim.2010.06.001

• Autism
• Autoimmunity
• Voltage-dependent anion channel
• Hexokinase-I
• Apoptosis

Autistic children show elevated serum levels of autoantibodies to several proteins essential for the function of normal brains. The voltage-dependent anion channel (VDAC) and hexokinase-I, a VDAC protective ligand, were identified as targets of this autoimmunity in autistic children. These autoantibodies were purified using immunoaffinity chromatographic techniques. Both antibodies induce apoptosis of cultured human neuroblastoma cells. Because VDAC and hexokinase-I are essential for brain protection from ischemic damage, the presence of these autoantibodies suggests a possible causal role in the neurologic pathogenesis of autism.

• 出版日期2010-10-8