Review Consequences of sex differences in Type I IFN responses for the regulation of antiviral immunity, 2022, Pujantell et al

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Consequences of sex differences in Type I IFN responses for the regulation of antiviral immunity

Pujantell, Maria; Altfeld, Marcus

Abstract
The immune system protects us from pathogens, such as viruses. Antiviral immune mechanisms aim to limit viral replication, and must maintain immunological homeostasis to avoid excessive inflammation and damage to the host. Sex differences in the manifestation and progression of immune-mediated disease point to sex-specific factors modulating antiviral immunity. The exact mechanisms regulating these immunological differences between females and males are still insufficiently understood. Females are known to display stronger Type I IFN responses and are less susceptible to viral infections compared to males, indicating that Type I IFN responses might contribute to the sexual dimorphisms observed in antiviral responses. Here, we review the impact of sex hormones and X chromosome-encoded genes on differences in Type I IFN responses between females and males; and discuss the consequences of sex differences in Type I IFN responses for the regulation of antiviral immune responses.

Web | DOI | PMC | PDF | Frontiers in Immunology

 

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An interesting review of sex differences and IFN responses including discussion of NK cell impact.

In short, stronger type I IFN responses from higher TLR7 expression due to chromosome differences which also has an impact on CD8+ T cells. Sex hormones, estrogen and progesterone, also have an enhancing effect on these pathways.

 

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Females are known to display stronger Type I IFN responses and are less susceptible to viral infections compared to males,

That's the surprising part to me. Just my limited experience with females, and my own stronger-that-average immune system. I rarely got serious infections, while I recall my sister with boxes of tissues, miserable for a long time. I don't recall male classmates showing symptoms more than females.