Publications by authors named "Sophie M T Smolders"
Activation of the maternal immune system during pregnancy is a well-established risk factor for neuropsychiatric disease in the offspring, yet, the underlying mechanisms leading to altered brain function remain largely undefined. Microglia, the resident immune cells of the brain, are key to adequate development of the central nervous system (CNS), and are prime candidates to mediate maternal immune activation (MIA)-induced brain abnormalities. As such, the effects of MIA on the immunological phenotype of microglia has been widely investigated.
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- - Several studies link inflammation during pregnancy to a higher risk of neuropsychiatric disorders, like autism and schizophrenia, in children due to changes in brain structure and inflammation levels.
- - Acute infections can alter maternal cytokine levels, impacting fetal brain development and increasing the likelihood of developing these disorders.
- - In a study using a viral immune activation model in pregnant mice, researchers found no significant differences in fetal microglial cell density or activation levels despite maternal inflammation, suggesting these microglial changes are not the cause of the observed developmental deficits in offspring.