Studies link immune system proteins to brain disorders

ANOTHER AUTISM CLUE: Researchers are finding more evidence linking immune proteins to disorders such as autism and Alzheimer's.

Studies revealed that disruption of immune system proteins -- major histocompatibility complex class I molecules and C1q -- during brain development can cause neural disorders such as autism and Alzheimer's. The findings could shed light on molecular processes that play a role in neurodegeneration and offer new targets for drug development, researchers said. Scientific American