hrp0089fc14.6 | Multisystem Endocrine Disorders | ESPE2018

Sex Differences in Autoimmune Disease: Testosterone is Associated with a Decrease in Expression of Key Anti-viral Genes During Puberty, Which may Decrease the Risk of Autoimmunity in Males

Webb Kate , Butler Gary , Ciurtin Coziana , Peckham Hannah , Radziszewska Anna , Wedderburn Lucy R , Ioannou Yiannis

Introduction: There are well described sex differences in the immune system. It has been shown in both innate and adaptive immunity that females have a more robust response than males. Various autoimmune diseases have a strong sex bias towards females. It is the accepted dogma that oestrogen in females relates to an increased risk of autoimmunity, but evidence to this end is scarce. Interferon alpha (IFNα) is a potent anti-viral innate cytokine, and many autoimmune diseas...