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Sex-Specific Factors Influencing HIV Infection
Maria Pujantell1, Marcus Altfeld1,2
1Department Virus Immunology, Leibniz Institute of Virology (LIV), Hamburg, Germany.
Immunological Reviews
|February 20, 2026
Summary
Sex-specific immune responses, influenced by X/Y chromosomes and hormones, significantly impact HIV-1 infection outcomes. Understanding these differences is crucial for developing effective HIV-1 prevention and treatment strategies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Genetics
Background:
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection presents a significant global health challenge.
- Immune responses are critical for controlling viral infections, but patterns can differ between sexes.
- X/Y-chromosome genes and sex steroid hormones are known to influence immune cell function and antiviral responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the impact of X- and Y-chromosome-encoded genes on antiviral immunity against HIV-1.
- To examine the role of sex steroid hormones in modulating HIV-1-specific immune responses.
- To understand the consequences of sex-specific immune differences on HIV-1 disease progression and outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on studies investigating sex differences in HIV-1 immunity.
- Analysis of research on X/Y-chromosome gene expression in immune cells relevant to HIV-1.
- Examination of studies detailing the effects of sex hormones on antiviral pathways in HIV-1 infection.
Main Results:
- X/Y-chromosome genes and sex hormones differentially modulate immune cell function and gene expression.
- Distinct patterns of antiviral immune responses are observed between sexes, affecting HIV-1 control.
- These sex-specific immune variations have significant implications for HIV-1 pathogenesis and disease progression.
Conclusions:
- Sex-specific differences in immune responses, driven by genetic and hormonal factors, are critical in HIV-1 infection.
- A deeper understanding of these sex differences is essential for advancing HIV-1 prevention, treatment, and cure strategies.
- Targeting sex-specific immune pathways may offer novel therapeutic avenues for people living with HIV-1.
Keywords:
HIV‐1IFN pathwayRNA sensing pathwayTNF pathwayX‐chromosomeescape from XCIimmunitysex differencesMore Related Videos
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