Cited by 1,131Estrogen and related hormone effectsReproductive System and PregnancySexual Differentiation and Disorders

Sex hormones and the immune response in humans

Bouman, Annechien, Heineman, Maas Jan, Faas, Marijke M.·2005·Human Reproduction Update

Abstract

In addition to their effects on sexual differentiation and reproduction, sex hormones appear to influence the immune system. This results in a sexual dimorphism in the immune response in humans: for instance, females produce more vigorous cellular and more vigorous humoral immune reactions, are more resistant to certain infections, and suffer a higher incidence of autoimmune diseases. Disease expression is also affected by the reproductive status of the female. As sex steroids--estrogens, progesterone and testosterone--differ between gender and within different reproductive stages, a lot of research has focussed on the effects of sex hormones on immune responses. Although there is also a vast literature on the effects of sex hormones on immune responses in animals, in this review we will focus on the most intriguing effects and mechanisms by which sex hormones affect different components of the immune system in humans.

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Crossref · 10.1093/humupd/dmi008

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Authors
Bouman, A., Heineman, M. J., & Faas, M. M.
Affiliations
University Medical Center Groningen (NL)
Corresponding author
Bouman, Annechien
Venue
Human Reproduction Update
Published
2005-04-07
Volume
11
Issue
4
Pages
411-423
ISSN
  • 1355-4786 (ISSN-L)
  • 1460-2369
OpenAlex
W2163369593
Cited by
1,131
References
186
Citations by year
2026: 44 · 2025: 53 · 2024: 62 · 2023: 67 · 2022: 83 · 2021: 76 · 2020: 93 · 2019: 50 · 2018: 74 · 2017: 66 · 2016: 53 · 2015: 54 · 2014: 70 · 2013: 46 · 2012: 53
FWCI
2.20
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
closed
Locations
  • Human Reproduction Update (publishedVersion)
  • PubMed (publishedVersion)
  • Data Archiving and Networked Services (DANS) (submittedVersion)
  • Pure Amsterdam UMC (submittedVersion)
  • University of Groningen research database (University of Groningen / Centre for Information Technology) (submittedVersion)
Topics
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Genetics › Estrogen and related hormone effects
  • Life Sciences › Immunology and Microbiology › Immunology › Reproductive System and Pregnancy
  • Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Molecular Biology › Sexual Differentiation and Disorders
Keywords
sex hormones, immune response, sexual dimorphism, estrogen, progesterone, testosterone, sex steroids, autoimmune disease, infection resistance, reproductive status, humoral immunity, cell-mediated immunity
MeSH terms
Female, Humans, Immune System, Male, Sex Characteristics, Gonadal Steroid Hormones

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