Maternal separation stress triggers neuro-immune response in hippocampus, inducing autistic-like behaviors in male mice

This study examined how early-life maternal separation stress in mice activates neuroinflammatory pathways in the hippocampus, leading to autism-like behavioral changes including social deficits and repetitive behaviors. Molecular analysis showed increased expression of inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1β, TLR4, HMGB1, NLRP3) in the hippocampi of separated mice, suggesting the HMGB1/TLR4 signaling pathway may mediate stress-induced autistic-like phenotypes.