MIT and Harvard Researchers Investigate Fever's Impact on Autism Symptoms
Researchers from MIT and Harvard Medical School are exploring the phenomenon where autism symptoms appear to ease during a fever. This 'fever effect' has been observed by parents and caregivers, and the research team, supported by a $2.1 million grant from the Marcus Foundation, aims to understand the underlying biology. Neuroscientist Gloria Choi and immunologist Jun Huh have conducted a decade of research in mice, identifying an immune-signaling molecule, IL-17a, that seems to calm overactive brain circuits during infections. Their findings suggest that the improvement in symptoms is linked to this molecule rather than the fever itself. The team plans to create a biobank of blood and stool samples from volunteers to further investigate these markers in humans. 
