Microbiota–Immune–Cognition Relationships from Neonatal Environments to Social Trajectories

Being born preterm is the strongest known non-genetic factor for autism spectrum disorder (autism): risk is seven times higher, and up to eleven times higher with systemic inflammation. Despite this burden, Europe lacks predictive tools, validated therapeutic targets, and translational models to shift from late diagnosis to early intervention. MICRO-NEST addresses this gap through an integrated programme uniting expertise on the gut–microbiome–immune–brain axis with lived-experience co-creation.The project will (1) identify and validate early predictive markers for clinical use, using world-first saliva glycomics and frozen-blood deep T-cell phenotyping; (2) discover and prioritise druggable therapeutic targets via AI pipelines and a patient-specific digital twin; (3) establish the first large-animal (sheep) model of prematurity-related autism with validated social-cognitive assessments; and (4) embed co-creation with autistic individuals, caregivers, clinicians, industry, and policymakers to ensure accessibility and policy relevance.Human and preclinical findings will be harmonised across mouse, sheep, and nine established clinical cohorts, integrated with multimodal imaging, genetics, immune profiling, and microbiome data. AI-driven disease mapping and digital twin simulations will accelerate biomarker discovery, reduce animal use, and de-risk therapeutic design pipelines.The impact will be transformative: earlier identification and preventive care for children with autism, stronger clinical decision support, reduced caregiver stress, and harmonised European guidelines. Industry will gain new diagnostics and therapeutic targets, SMEs valuable translational assets, and society reduced costs, greater inclusion, and recognition of neurodiversity. All outcomes will be shared under a unified FAIR & Reuse policy, positioning Europe as the global leader in autism innovation.