Sex differences in cytokine production following West Nile virus infection: Implications for symptom manifestation

Pathog Dis. 2019 Mar 1;77(2):ftz016. doi: 10.1093/femspd/ftz016.

Abstract

West Nile virus (WNV) infection outcomes vary among individuals, with most infections resulting in asymptomatic or mild flu-like symptoms. We previously reported an association between early cytokine production and symptom outcome following WNV infection in US blood donors. In this meta-analysis, we found that WNV-infected females reported more symptoms than WNV-infected males, despite similar initial viremia and type I interferon responses. As the infection progressed, males exhibited a protracted cytokine response-marked by sustained CCL2 (MCP-1), CCL11 (eotaxin-1), CXCL10 (IP-10) and IL-15-that was absent in females. Our results suggest that sex differences may be a factor in sustaining WNV immunity.

Keywords: blood bank; blood donations; clinical outcome; cytokines; sex differences; susceptibility.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

  • Biomarkers
  • Cytokines / biosynthesis*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Inflammation Mediators / metabolism
  • Male
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Sex Factors
  • Symptom Assessment
  • Viral Load
  • West Nile Fever / diagnosis
  • West Nile Fever / metabolism*
  • West Nile Fever / virology*
  • West Nile virus / physiology*

Substances

  • Biomarkers
  • Cytokines
  • Inflammation Mediators