Study : Genetic Factors Make Women More Vulnerable to Autoimmune Diseases Than Men

Recent research has revealed that women have a greater genetic predisposition to autoimmune diseases compared to men. Scientists are now able to explain this difference thanks to the discovery of precise biological variations in how the immune system functions between the sexes.

According to the study published in the American Journal of Human Genetics, more than a thousand genetic regulators operate differently in immune cells in men and women, leading to increased activation of inflammation-related pathways in women.

Researchers analyzed more than 1.25 million immune cells from nearly one thousand individuals using advanced technology capable of detecting genetic differences that had not appeared in previous studies.

The findings showed that genetic activity in females is strongly directed toward inflammatory pathways, with higher levels of antibody-producing B cells and T cells. In males, genetic activity is more focused on cellular maintenance and protein production, along with higher levels of monocytes, which form the body’s first line of immune defense, making men more vulnerable to infections.

In this regard, Dr. Sarah Ballouz explained that this immune profile gives women an advantage in fighting viruses, but it comes with a biological cost reflected in a higher risk of diseases such as lupus and multiple sclerosis.

Meanwhile, Dr. Sihem Yazar stressed the importance of considering a patient’s sex when studying the immune system, noting that ignoring these differences limits the understanding of diseases and may affect treatment effectiveness.

These findings confirm that although women’s stronger immune response is highly effective against viruses, it also carries a biological trade-off that increases the likelihood of developing autoimmune diseases.