Neonatal infection with Bordetella pertussis promotes autism-like phenotypes in mice

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has been linked with infections early in life. Here we demonstrate that infection of neonatal mice with the respiratory pathogen Bordetella pertussis leads to neuroinflammation, neurodevelopmental defects and ASD-like behaviours. Following respiratory challenge of neonatal mice with B. pertussis, multiple atypical CNS findings were observed, including blood-brain barrier disruption, dissemination of live B. pertussis bacteria to the brain with concomitant infiltration of inflammatory monocytes, neutrophils and activated IL-17A- and IFN-γ-producing CD4 T cells. Microglia from infected mice were activated, with impaired phagocytic function, resulting in defective synaptic pruning and disrupted neuronal circuit formation. Impaired neurodevelopment in B. pertussis-infected post-natal mice was associated with ASD-like behavioural abnormalities in young adulthood. Our data indicate that infection with virulent B. pertussis during infancy increases the risk of au..., , , # Neonatal infection with Bordetella pertussis promotes autism-like phenotypes in mice

[https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.vq83bk43q](https://doi.org/10.5061/dryad.vq83bk43q)

## Description of the data and file structure

The data are structured with treatment groups (Control vs. B. pertussis) vertically in column 1 and the headings for each metric analyzed are structured horizontally in row 1. For clarity, there is a separate excel sheet for raw data within each Figure. Empty cells are not applicable and are replaced with ''n/a''

PTx: Pertussis toxin concentration in Lung or Brain (ng/ml).

MHCII LY6C Monocytes: Number of activated monocytes in Lung or Brain (# cells)

LY6G Neutrophils: Number of neutrophils in Lung or Brain (# cells)

IFN-G or IL-17A T-Cells: Number of IFN-G or IL-17A producing T-cells in Lung or Brain (# cells)

MPO: Myeloperoxidase expression in brain tissue (integrated density)

CXCL1: The chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 1 (CXCL1)

CD44 T cell: type I transmembrane p...