Maternal autoantibodies in ASD
Several researchers have now independently identified a strong association between maternal autoantibodies reactive towards fetal brain proteins and risk of ASD. In particular, a pattern of reactivity to fetal brain proteins at approximately 37 and 73 kDa was originally found uniquely among mothers of children with ASD. Furthermore, the same pattern of reactivity has been observed in prospectively collected mid-gestation blood samples from mothers who went on to have a child with ASD, supporting the possibility that these autoantibodies may be causal for at least one form of ASD.
The proteins targeted by the candidate antigens in fetal brain tissue. Through tandem mass the target proteins were identified as: lactate dehydrogenase A and B (LDH-A, LDH-B), guanine deaminase (GDA), stress-induced phosphoprotein 1 (STIP1), collapsin response mediator proteins 1 and 2 (CRMP1, CRMP2), and Y-box binding protein 1 (YBX1) and neuron specific enolase (NSE). Interestingly, each of the identified target proteins is expressed at significant levels in the human fetal brain and has an established role in neurodevelopment
The MARA Test
Who Should Be Tested?
Who Should Be Tested?
The MARA Test is a non-invasive, simple blood test that will identify women who have an increased risk of having a child with autism. The test will measure eight (8) specific autoantibodies that have been linked to a form of autism that represents up to 1 in 4 of all diagnosed cases. This test can be used to help rule in an autism diagnosis for a child with developmental delay, or to subtype the form of autism for treatment of a child with autism. Additionally, the test can be used by high-risk women before they get pregnant to assess their risk of having a child with ASD.
Who Should Be Tested?
Who Should Be Tested?
Who Should Be Tested?
The MARA antibody test is in development for three types of “at risk” women: 1) Women of child-bearing age who have already had a child with autism, 2) Mothers of young children in need of a diagnosis for their child’s perceived developmental delay, and 3) Women over the age of 35 (who are at least 2 times more likely to give birth to an autistic child). Specifically, women in this group that are considering In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) to become pregnant may want to consider taking the test before they proceed with the procedure. The MARA test is not intended for pregnant women or women who think that they might be pregnant.