C11584: Diagnosis and of Autism based on Specific Receptor SiteNovelty:
This invention is a new method to test pregnant mothers for an increased risk of having autistic children. The identification of this receptor-specific antibody suggests that specific inhibitors, antibodies, or other agents can be used as a therapy for autism.
Value Proposition:
• Can be marketed and sold as a diagnostic kit
• Inhibition of the receptor reduces neuronal growth inhibition caused by MCAD-IgD (antibodies from mothers of children with autistic disorders)
• Various therapeutic methods that specifically target and modulate the receptor pathway can be used
Technical Details:
This invention is a method that can be used to accurately determine the risk a pregnant woman can have of giving birth to an autistic child by monitoring the appearance of maternal antibodies at a specific receptor site. This receptor site is known to play a large role in the growth and proliferation of neuronal progenitor cells (NPCs), which are vital to neuronal growth that is characteristically absent in autistic children. Maternal antibodies can target human brain proteins and cause behavioral abnormalities. Also, the modulation of this receptor using antagonists such as siRNA, inhibitors, or antibodies can reduce the effects maternal antibodies have of activating this specific receptor site, which can contribute to the pathogenesis of autism.
Looking for Partners:
To develop the identified biomarker as a diagnostic test for pregnant women at risk of having an autistic child as well as a therapeutic target for the treatment of autism.
Stage of Development:
Pre-Clinical
Data Availability:
Yes, from human fetal cell lines.
Publications/Associated Cases:
“Impairment of neurogenesis by antibodies from mothers with autistic children.” T. Wang, C. Morris-Berry, E. Choi, H. Singer, A. Nath; NINDS/NIH, Bethesda, MD. Dept. of Neurol., Johns Hopkins Univ., Baltimore, MD. (Manuscript)
