The absence of an autism-linked gene, combined with exposure to a mock infection, produces social deficits in mice — but only in males.

Women who come down with influenza while pregnant are no more likely than those without the infection to have a child with autism.

The interplay between a mouse’s immune system and certain mutations in her pups may increase autism-like features in the pups.

Infecting pregnant rats with group B streptococcus triggers inflammation in the fetal side of the placenta, but only in male fetuses.

Infections during pregnancy increase levels of an immune molecule in the placenta that alters brain development and behavior in mice.

Three studies suggest that microglia, the brain’s immune cells, join forces with neurons in a sex-specific manner.

A group of savvy parents jump-started autism research in California, but they also set the research agenda.

Maternal immune activation — caused by infection or even psychological stress during pregnancy — is a strong risk factor for neurological conditions such as autism.

Only a small fraction of women who battle infections during pregnancy have children with autism, suggesting that some infections are riskier than others.

Molecules that protect the body from infection may be needed for mice to socialize with their peers, a finding that bolsters the link between the immune system and autism.