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Sex Differences in Anti-Epstein-Barr Virus Antibody Responses
Sarah S Jackson1, Julia Francis1, Ruth M Pfeiffer1
1Infections and Immunoepidemiology Branch, Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Rockville, Maryland, USA.
The Journal of Infectious Diseases
|February 11, 2025
Summary
This study found significant sex differences in Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) antibody responses. Males showed higher IgA, while females had higher IgG, suggesting potential differences in EBV reactivation rates.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) establishes lifelong infections with diverse clinical outcomes.
- Sex-specific differences in immune responses to EBV are not well understood.
- Understanding these differences may illuminate EBV pathogenesis and reactivation patterns.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate sex-specific differences in anti-EBV IgA and IgG antibody responses.
- To analyze these differences across various EBV antigens and infection stages.
- To explore potential associations with EBV reactivation.
Main Methods:
- Utilized an EBV proteome array to measure antibody responses in 387 cancer-free Asian individuals.
- Performed age-adjusted, sex-specific meta-analysis and pathway analysis across 404 EBV antigens.
- Examined antibody responses stratified by EBV infection stage (latent, lytic).
Main Results:
- Males exhibited significantly higher IgA responses (P=0.001), while females showed higher IgG responses (P=0.003).
- Sex associations were prominent during the lytic replication stages of EBV.
- Largest sex disparities were observed in latent IgA, with no significant differences in latent IgG.
Conclusions:
- Males may experience higher rates of EBV reactivation, indicated by elevated IgA responses.
- Significant sex-based immune responses to EBV antigens exist, varying by antibody type and infection stage.
- Further research is warranted to elucidate the clinical implications of these sex-specific EBV immune profiles.
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