Sex affects immunity

Abstract Sex based differences in immune responses, affecting both the innate and adaptive immune responses, contribute to differences in the pathogenesis of infectious diseases in males and females, the response to viral vaccines and the prevalence of autoimmune diseases [1–5] . Indeed, females hav...

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Published inJournal of autoimmunity Vol. 38; no. 2; pp. J282 - J291
Main Authors Pennell, Leesa M, Galligan, Carole L, Fish, Eleanor N
Format Journal Article
LanguageEnglish
Published England Elsevier Ltd 01.05.2012
Subjects
Allergy and Immunology
Animals
Autoimmune Diseases - genetics
Autoimmune Diseases - immunology
Autoimmunity
Disease Susceptibility
Estrogen
Female
Gonadal Steroid Hormones - physiology
Humans
Immunity - genetics
Immunity - immunology
Male
Sex Factors
Sex hormones
SLE
X Chromosome
Autoimmunity
Sex hormones
SLE
MS
Estrogen
RA
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Summary:Abstract Sex based differences in immune responses, affecting both the innate and adaptive immune responses, contribute to differences in the pathogenesis of infectious diseases in males and females, the response to viral vaccines and the prevalence of autoimmune diseases [1–5] . Indeed, females have a lower burden of bacterial, viral and parasitic infections, most evident during their reproductive years [2,6] . Conversely, females have a higher prevalence of a number of autoimmune diseases, including Sjogren’s syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and multiple sclerosis (MS). These observations suggest that gonadal hormones may have a role in this sex differential. The fundamental differences in the immune systems of males and females are attributed not only to differences in sex hormones, but are related to X chromosome gene contributions and the effects of environmental factors [7,8] . A comprehensive understanding of the role that sex plays in the immune response is required for therapeutic intervention strategies against infections and the development of appropriate and effective therapies for autoimmune diseases for both males and females. This review will focus on the differences between male and female immune responses in terms of innate and adaptive immunity, and the effects of sex hormones in SLE, MS and RA.
Bibliography:ObjectType-Article-2
SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1
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ObjectType-Review-1
ISSN:0896-8411
1095-9157
DOI:10.1016/j.jaut.2011.11.013