Early-life IL-4 administration induces long-term changes in microglia in the cerebellum and prefrontal cortex.

ABSTRACT: Microglia are crucial for brain development and their function can be impacted by postnatal insults, such as early-life allergies. These are characterized by an upregulation of interleukin (IL)-4 levels. Allergies share a strong comorbidity with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) and Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). We previously showed that early-life allergic asthma induces hyperactive and impulsive behaviors in mice. This phenotype was reproduced in animals administered with IL-4 in the second postnatal week. Mechanistically, elevated IL-4 levels prevented microglia-mediated engulfment of neurons in the cerebellum, resulting in a surplus of granule cells and consequent dysfunction in cerebellar connectivity. Here, we aimed to further understand the impact of early IL-4 admi

SUBMITTER: Ferreira PA 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11647562 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature