Unraveling the gender gap in autoimmune diseases

Biophoto Associates/Science Source

A new study published in the medical science journal Cell suggests that the molecules that silence a woman’s second X chromosome can confuse the immune system. This mechanism contributes to the higher susceptibility of women to autoimmune diseases such as lupus and multiple sclerosis compared to men. Research has identified the X chromosome as a key player in this gender disparity. This discovery not only advances our understanding of autoimmune conditions but also paves the way for gender-specific treatments and therapies.

Source

Zimmer, Carl. “Why Do Women Have More Autoimmune Diseases? Study Points to X Chromosome.” The New York Times, The New York Times, 1 Feb. 2024, www.nytimes.com/2024/02/01/health/women-autoimmune-disease-x-chromosome.html.