The X-files in immunity: sex-based differences predispose immune responses
Sex-based differences in immune responses can influence the susceptibility to autoimmune and infectious diseases and the efficacy of therapeutic drugs. In this Perspective, Eleanor Fish discusses factors, such as X-linked genes, hormones and societal context, that underlie disparate immune responses...
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Published in | Nature reviews. Immunology Vol. 8; no. 9; pp. 737 - 744 |
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Main Author | |
Format | Journal Article |
Language | English |
Published |
London
Nature Publishing Group UK
01.09.2008
Nature Publishing Group |
Subjects | |
Online Access | Get full text |
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Summary: | Sex-based differences in immune responses can influence the susceptibility to autoimmune and infectious diseases and the efficacy of therapeutic drugs. In this Perspective, Eleanor Fish discusses factors, such as X-linked genes, hormones and societal context, that underlie disparate immune responses in men and women.
Despite accumulating evidence in support of sex-based differences in innate and adaptive immune responses, in the susceptibility to infectious diseases and in the prevalence of autoimmune diseases, health research and clinical practice do not address these distinctions, and most research studies of immune responses do not stratify by sex. X-linked genes, hormones and societal context are among the many factors that contribute to disparate immune responses in males and females. It is crucial to address sex-based differences in disease pathogenesis and in the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of therapeutic medications to provide optimal disease management for both sexes. |
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ISSN: | 1474-1733 1474-1741 |
DOI: | 10.1038/nri2394 |