Autism Speaks, the Autism Research Institute and the MIND Institute at the University of California-Davis invite researchers and the public to attend “Immunological Factors, Genes and the Environment in Autism: from Research to Treatment.” The educational session will take place Saturday, June 1, from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm Pacific Time at the UC-Davis MIND Institute.
The session is free both online (webstreamed) and in person, but requires registration. For more information and registration, click here.
Autism researchers Reymundo Lozano, Pamela Lein and Judy VanDeWater will discuss research in the role of immunological factors in the development of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). They will both summarize current research and present their own findings.
Immunological research has led to the discovery of autoantibodies that target brain proteins in children with autism and their mothers. In particular, these include maternal autoantibodies directed towards fetal brain proteins that are highly specific for autism. This finding has great potential as a biomarker for autism risk and may provide a target for future medicines and prevention measures. Other research suggests that some forms of autism may involve problems in the signaling pathways shared by the immune and central nervous systems.
The presentations will be followed by a question and answer period that will be open to the public via webcast and Twitter. Continuing education credits will be available. Please register at http://www.regonline.com/ASD-Series.