Autism may be linked to abnormal immune system characteristics and novel protein fragment

Immune system abnormalities that mimic those seen with autism spectrum disorders have been linked to the amyloid precursor protein (APP), reports a research team from the University of South Florida's Department of Psychiatry and the Silver Child Development Center.

The researchers found that increased levels of sAPP-α in the transgenic mice led to increased cytotoxic T-cell numbers.

Antimicrobial Properties of Amyloid Peptides.