The role of inflammation in neurodevelopment and childhood psychiatric disorders.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: This review examines how prenatal inflammation may contribute to psychiatric and neurodevelopmental disorders, with a focus on maternal immune activation, microglial programming, and epigenetic mechanisms. RECENT FINDINGS: Recent studies have found that inflammation during pregnancy is associated with changes in brain development and neurodevelopmental outcomes in children. Animal research indicates that maternal immune activation can cause long-lasting changes in gene expression, neural circuitry, and microglial activity. Two-hit models suggest that prenatal inflammation may prime microglia, making the brain more vulnerable to later stress, infections, or adversity. Interventions that target microglia, reduce inflammation, or provide enriched environments may reduce downstream behavioral and neurodevelopmental effects. SUMMARY: Inflammation in early life may increase the risk of psychiatric disorders by altering placental signals, fetal brain development, and neuroimmune regulation. Preventing inflammation during pregnancy and reducing stress and adversity after birth may help protect against later mental health problems.