Deciphering sex differences in the immune system and depression

Front Neuroendocrinol. 2018 Jul:50:67-90. doi: 10.1016/j.yfrne.2017.12.004. Epub 2017 Dec 27.

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.

Keywords: Depression; Estrogen; Immune function; Progesterone; Stress; Testosterone.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Female
  • Gonadal Steroid Hormones* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Immune System* / immunology
  • Immune System* / metabolism
  • Male
  • Mood Disorders* / etiology
  • Mood Disorders* / immunology
  • Mood Disorders* / metabolism
  • Sex Characteristics*

Substances

  • Gonadal Steroid Hormones