Role of sex in immune response and epigenetic mechanisms

Epigenetics Chromatin. 2024 Jan 22;17(1):1. doi: 10.1186/s13072-024-00525-x.

Abstract

The functioning of the human immune system is highly dependent on the sex of the individual, which comes by virtue of sex chromosomes and hormonal differences. Epigenetic mechanisms such as X chromosome inactivation, mosaicism, skewing, and dimorphism in X chromosome genes and Y chromosome regulatory genes create a sex-based variance in the immune response between males and females. This leads to differential susceptibility in immune-related disorders like infections, autoimmunity, and malignancies. Various naturally available immunomodulators are also available which target immune pathways containing X chromosome genes.

Keywords: Autoimmunity; Cancers immunomodulators; Epigenetics; Immune responses; Sex chromosomes.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Epigenesis, Genetic*
  • Female
  • Genes, X-Linked*
  • Humans
  • Immunity / genetics
  • Male
  • Sex Chromosomes
  • X Chromosome Inactivation