The X chromosome in immune functions: when a chromosome makes the difference
- 1 August 2010
- journal article
- review article
- Published by Springer Science and Business Media LLC in Nature Reviews Immunology
- Vol. 10 (8), 594-604
- https://doi.org/10.1038/nri2815
Abstract
In response to various immune challenges, females show better survival than males; the X chromosome has an important role in this immunological advantage. X chromosome-linked diseases are usually restricted to males, who have only one copy of the X chromosome; however, females are more prone to autoimmune diseases, and the X chromosome may be involved in the breakdown of self tolerance. Several hypotheses have been proposed in recent years that support a role for the X chromosome in shaping autoimmune responses. Here, we review the main mechanisms responsible for increased immune activity in females. This provides a survival advantage in the face of pathogenic insult but can also enhance the susceptibility of females to autoimmunity.Keywords
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