Join Teri as she asks Dr. Theoharides about the role of mast cells in autism and other conditions. Many ASD patients have a history of "allergic" symptoms and food intolerance, suggesting activation of mast cells, now recognized as master regulators of the immune system. Activation of intestinal and brain mast cells by immune, infectious, stress or toxic triggers could lead to gut-blood-brain-barrier disruption, permitting brain inflammation and autism. Theoharis Theoharides, MD, PhD, is a professor of pharmacology, internal medicine and biochemistry, and the director of the Laboratory of Molecular Immunopharmacology and Drug Discovery; Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, Tufts University School of Medicine. This will be a fascinating and informative interview.