Sex affects immune response capacity against COVID‐19 infection

The genetic variability of each individual may lead to the identification of completely different genetic polymorphisms which are associated with a different sensitivity to infectious diseases in humans. Such genetic variability allows the immune system to respond differently to viral agents, theref...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Reviews in medical virology 2023-07, Vol.33 (4), p.e2450-n/a
Main Authors: Zovi, Andrea, Ferrara, Francesco, Langella, Roberto, Cavallaro, Fabiola, Vitiello, Antonio
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
COVID-19
Dendritic cells
Epidemiology
Female
Gene polymorphism
Genetic variability
genetic variations
Humans
Immune system
Immunity, Innate
infectious disease
Infectious diseases
Innate immunity
Interferons
Male
Risk factors
SARS-CoV-2
Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2
susceptibility
Testosterone
TLR7 protein
Toll-like receptors
Vaccination
Viral diseases
Virus Diseases
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Summary:The genetic variability of each individual may lead to the identification of completely different genetic polymorphisms which are associated with a different sensitivity to infectious diseases in humans. Such genetic variability allows the immune system to respond differently to viral agents, therefore only a fraction of humans develop severe symptoms, as happened with SARS‐CoV‐2. Such knowledge is critical to enable the development of appropriate pharmacological solutions to prevent the consequences of insufficient immunity in dealing with serious viral diseases such as SARS‐CoV‐2. For instance, global epidemiological data show that male sex is a risk factor for the severe evolution of SARS‐CoV‐2 disease. Men, due to higher production of Testosterone (TLT), are more vulnerable than females. Women, due to greater expression of the TLR7 gene found on the X chromosome, a key innate immunity gene that encodes Toll‐like proteins, are able to synthesise more antiviral proteins and interferons in dendritic cells, resulting in a more robust immune system capable of preventing severe SARS‐CoV‐2 viral disease. This manuscript highlights how human genetic variability can lead to severe infectious symptoms in some individuals who must take appropriate prophylactic actions, such as vaccination, to prevent this.
ISSN:1052-9276
1099-1654
DOI:10.1002/rmv.2450