Sex differences in infection and sepsis

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Endocrinology
• Public Health

Background:

• Sex and gender influence immune function, affecting responses to infection, sepsis, and autoimmune diseases.
• Estrogen generally enhances immune function, potentially leading to autoimmunity, while testosterone can suppress it, worsening outcomes in trauma.
• Pre-pubertal immune differences suggest factors beyond sex hormones, like gender-based exposures and societal roles, may play a part.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore sex and gender-based disparities in immune responses to infection and sepsis.
• To investigate the role of sex hormones (estrogen, testosterone) in modulating immune function and disease outcomes.
• To highlight the need for considering sex and gender in clinical risk assessment and treatment development.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on sex differences in immune responses.
• Analysis of hormonal influences (estrogen, testosterone) on immunity and disease.
• Consideration of non-hormonal gender-based factors, including societal roles and exposures.

Main Results:

• Sex and gender differences are evident in infection and sepsis outcomes.
• Sex hormones differentially modulate immune function, impacting autoimmune disease and trauma recovery.
• Early-life immune variations suggest multifactorial influences beyond sex hormones.

Conclusions:

• Clinicians must integrate sex and gender considerations into risk assessment for infection, sepsis, and immune dysfunction.
• Sex hormone-based therapies are emerging but require further efficacy data.
• Future strategies leveraging sex and gender differences in immunity may enhance clinical decision-making and long-term health outcomes.