Immune-mediated differentiation of autism subtypes: evidence from pediatric Neurocytokine profiling in central Asia

This study investigates immunological distinctions between clinical subtypes of autism spectrum disorder (ASD), focusing on pediatric populations diagnosed with Kanner’s and Asperger’s syndromes. Utilizing quantitative analysis of serum cytokines—IL-6, TNF-α, IL-10, and IL-1β—we evaluated immune deviations in relation to behavioral severity and neurocognitive function. The data revealed subtype-specific inflammatory patterns, with heightened IL-6 and TNF-α in Kanner’s syndrome and selective IL-1β elevation in Asperger’s syndrome. A deficiency in IL-10 was common across both groups, suggesting impaired anti-inflammatory modulation. These results underscore the role of immune biomarkers in refining ASD subtypes and tailoring early interventions.