Study: Women's immune systems may fight viruses more effectively than men's
University of California researchers have found that women's immune cells may hold more of a protein called UTX, which helps fight viruses. The experiments were done only on mice, so applying the findings to people is premature.
Researchers at the University of California report that female and male bodies fight viruses differently. The study, covered by the outlet “LADbible”, tries to explain why women's immune systems may work more effectively against certain viruses. It also touches on the popular notion of “man flu”, a joking term for men supposedly suffering more when ill.
The role of the X chromosome
The scientists link the difference to the X chromosome and a protein called UTX. Women usually have two X chromosomes, while men have one. The gene that regulates UTX production sits on the X chromosome.
UTX matters for the work of natural killer cells, or NK cells. These are immune cells that help the body find and destroy infected cells. In women, most genes on one of the two X chromosomes are normally switched off, but the UTX gene can stay active on both. As a result, some female immune cells accumulate more of this protective protein than male cells do.
Earlier research had found that men may have more NK cells. The new study shows that what matters is not only the number of cells but also how effective they are. Dr. Maureen Su, who took part in the study, explained that female NK cells contain more UTX, which helps them fight viruses better.
Limitations
The experiments were carried out only on mice, so it is too early to claim that women get through viral infections more easily or that “man flu” has been scientifically proven. The course of an illness depends on age, general health, past infections, genetics and environment.
A stronger immune response also does not always mean better health: women are considerably more likely to develop autoimmune diseases, in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the body's own tissue.
The finding helps scientists better understand sex differences in the immune system, and this knowledge could eventually help in designing more precise treatments.
