Human Umbilical Cord Blood Mesenchymal Stem Cells Ameliorate Autism‐Like Behaviors in a Valproic Acid‐Induced Mouse Model via the IGF‐1/Akt Signaling Pathway

These findings suggest that hUC-MSCs may exert neuroprotective effects by modulating the IGF-1/Akt signaling pathway, promoting neuronal development, reducing neuroinflammation, and inhibiting apoptosis, ultimately alleviating core ASD-like symptoms. The therapeutic benefits may stem from paracrine factors secreted by hUC-MSCs or their ability to regulate gene expression linked to neuronal development. Our study provides new insights into ASD pathogenesis and highlights the potential of hUC-MSCs as a novel stem cell-based therapy for ASD.