Discovery of a Single Gene Explains Immune Response Differences Between Men and Women

Recent research has shed light on a fundamental reason why immune responses differ between males and females, centering on a single gene called Malat1. Published in The Journal of Immunology, this study indicates that Malat1 plays a crucial role in regulating immune cell behavior specifically in females. Scientists from the University of York examined T cells, key players in the immune system, in both laboratory settings and animal models of inflammation. They focused on a subset of immune cells known as Th2 cells, which are vital for defending against parasitic infections like schistosomiasis and are also involved in allergic conditions such as asthma.

Professor Dimitris Lagos from the University of York explained that Malat1 is a non-coding RNA gene, meaning it produces RNA molecules that do not translate into proteins but can influence cell functions. Interestingly, although Malat1 is present in both male and female T cells, it appears to function differently between the sexes. Specifically, in females, Malat1 is essential for proper Th2 cell development and cytokine production, molecules that drive inflammatory responses.

The significance of these findings is underscored by the global impact of immune-related diseases. Over 240 million people suffer from asthma worldwide, with more than 60% of severe adult cases occurring in women. Additionally, schistosomiasis affects over 200 million individuals, disproportionately impacting adolescent girls and pregnant women in endemic regions.

In the study, female mice lacking Malat1 exhibited impaired development of Th2 cells during lung inflammation, a defect not observed in males. This disruption led to diminished immune responses, highlighting how the absence of Malat1 hampers the immune system’s capabilities in females. Professor Lagos emphasized that this research not only advances understanding of sex-specific immune regulation but also suggests that treatments for immune diseases could be more effective if tailored to biological sex.

Future research aims to investigate the role of Malat1 in human immune cells and to decipher the mechanisms through which it modulates immune responses. Such insights could pave the way for personalized therapeutic strategies for autoimmune diseases, allergies, and infections, ensuring more targeted and effective interventions for both men and women.

Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-08-gene-immune-responses-differ-men.html