Sex, cells, and metabolism: Androgens temper Th17-mediated immunity.
editorial · Level V
Where this comes from
- Record sourced from PubMed, PMID 39621312.
- Also identified by DOI 10.1172/JCI186520 and PMC identifier 11601920.
- Licence recorded as CC BY.
- The licence permits redistribution, so the abstract is shown in full and the full text is available from the publisher.
Abstract
Sex-based differences in autoimmune disease susceptibility have long been recognized, prompting investigations into how sex hormones influence immunity. Recent advances suggest that hormones may shape immune responses by altering cellular metabolism. In this issue of the JCI, Chowdhury et al. authenticates this model, showing that androgen receptor signaling modulates T helper 17 (Th17) cell metabolism, specifically glutaminolysis, reducing airway inflammation in males. This work provides insight into sex-specific regulation of immunity, highlighting the interplay between hormones, metabolism, and immune function. The findings raise intriguing questions about how hormonal fluctuations affect immunity and how sex-specific metabolic pathways might be leveraged for targeted therapies in autoimmune diseases.
Medical subject headings
- Th17 Cells
- Androgens