Transcriptome profiling of L. infantum-infected human macrophages reveals sex-specific type I interferon induction.

ABSTRACT: Sex-based differences in the immune system influence the clinical course of infectious diseases, including many parasitic infections. Field studies of human infections and controlled experimental rodent models have shown that certain clinical forms of leishmaniasis occur more frequently in males. Leishmania parasites infect and proliferate in innate immune cells, particularly macrophages, and modulate early immune responses that constrain their survival and replication. In this study, we used a high-throughput in vitro system to assess sex differences in human macrophage-specific immunity to Leishmania (L.) infantum infection. Quantification of infection showed significantly higher infection rates and parasite loads in macrophages derived from men compared to those from women up to 76 hour

SUBMITTER: Bea A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12367141 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature