Geschlechtsspezifische Unterschiede in der Immunologie

There is growing evidence for sex-specific differences in the immune system.

Reviewing the current research about effects of sex on the immune system, including clinical consequences.

Literature review.

Both sex and gender modulate the immune system. In general, females show stronger immune responses compared to males. Consequently, females account for the majority of autoimmune diseases, while males are more severely affected by many infectious diseases and nonreproductive malignancies. On the biological level, X‑chromosomal genes and sex steroids impact the composition and function of the immune system. Changes in sex hormone levels during menstrual cycle, pregnancy, and aging can have immunological consequences that can manifest clinically. In the context of personalized medicine, current research findings about sex-specific immunological mechanisms have the potential to lead to the identification of novel treatment targets and to improve healthcare for all individuals.