Sex-specific differences in peripheral blood leukocyte transcriptional response to LPS are enriched for HLA region and X chromosome genes

Sci Rep. 2021 Jan 13;11(1):1107. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-80145-z.

Abstract

Sex-specific differences in prevalence are well documented for many common, complex diseases, especially for immune-mediated diseases, yet the precise mechanisms through which factors associated with biological sex exert their effects throughout life are not well understood. We interrogated sex-specific transcriptional responses of peripheral blood leukocytes (PBLs) to innate immune stimulation by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in 46 male and 66 female members of the Hutterite community, who practice a communal lifestyle. We identified 1217 autosomal and 54 X-linked genes with sex-specific responses to LPS, as well as 71 autosomal and one X-linked sex-specific expression quantitative trait loci (eQTLs). Despite a similar proportion of the 15 HLA genes responding to LPS compared to all expressed autosomal genes, there was a significant over-representation of genes with sex by treatment interactions among HLA genes. We also observed an enrichment of sex-specific differentially expressed genes in response to LPS for X-linked genes compared to autosomal genes, suggesting that HLA and X-linked genes may disproportionately contribute to sex disparities in risk for immune-mediated diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Child
  • Ethnicity
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Profiling
  • Genes, MHC Class I*
  • Genes, MHC Class II*
  • Genes, X-Linked*
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Innate
  • Leukocytes / immunology*
  • Leukocytes / metabolism*
  • Lipopolysaccharides / immunology
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Quantitative Trait Loci
  • Sex Characteristics*
  • Transcription, Genetic*
  • Young Adult

Substances

  • Lipopolysaccharides