{"title":"The immune-endocrine interplay in sex differential responses to viral infection and COVID-19.","authors":"Valentino D'Onofrio, Rafick Pierre Sékaly","doi":"10.1016/j.it.2024.10.004","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Men are at higher risk for developing severe COVID-19 than women, while women are at higher risk for developing post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). This highlights the impact of sex differences on immune responses and clinical outcomes of acute COVID-19 or PASC. A dynamic immune-endocrine interface plays an important role in the development of effective immune responses impacting the control of viral infections. In this opinion article we discuss mechanisms underlying the transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of immune responses by sex hormones during viral infections. We propose that disruption of this delicate immune-endocrine interplay can result in worsened outcomes of viral disease. We also posit that insights into these immune mechanisms can propel the development of novel immunomodulatory interventions that leverage immune-endocrine pathways to treat viral infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":54412,"journal":{"name":"Trends in Immunology","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":13.1000,"publicationDate":"2024-11-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Trends in Immunology","FirstCategoryId":"3","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1016/j.it.2024.10.004","RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"IMMUNOLOGY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Men are at higher risk for developing severe COVID-19 than women, while women are at higher risk for developing post-acute sequelae of COVID-19 (PASC). This highlights the impact of sex differences on immune responses and clinical outcomes of acute COVID-19 or PASC. A dynamic immune-endocrine interface plays an important role in the development of effective immune responses impacting the control of viral infections. In this opinion article we discuss mechanisms underlying the transcriptional and epigenetic regulation of immune responses by sex hormones during viral infections. We propose that disruption of this delicate immune-endocrine interplay can result in worsened outcomes of viral disease. We also posit that insights into these immune mechanisms can propel the development of novel immunomodulatory interventions that leverage immune-endocrine pathways to treat viral infections.
期刊介绍:
Trends in Immunology serves as a vital platform for tracking advancements across various areas of immunology, offering concise reviews and hypothesis-driven viewpoints in each issue. With additional sections providing comprehensive coverage, the journal offers a holistic view of immunology. This broad perspective makes it an invaluable resource for researchers, educators, and students, facilitating the connection between basic and clinical immunology. Recognized as one of the top monthly review journals in its field, Trends in Immunology is highly regarded by the scientific community.