Deciphering sex differences in the immune system and depression.

Authors :: Rainville JR
Tsyglakova M
Hodes GE
Source :: Frontiers in neuroendocrinology [Front Neuroendocrinol] 2018 Jul; Vol. 50, pp. 67-90. Date of Electronic Publication: 2017 Dec 27.
Publication Year :: 2018
Abstract: Certain mood disorders and autoimmune diseases are predominately female diseases but we do not know why. Here, we explore the relationship between depression and the immune system from a sex-based perspective. This review characterizes sex differences in the immune system in health and disease. We explore the contribution of gonadal and stress hormones to immune function at the cellular and molecular level in the brain and body. We propose hormonal and genetic sex specific immune mechanisms that may contribute to the etiology of mood disorders.<br /> (Copyright © 2017 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.)