Sabra L. Klein – författare

This fully revised and significantly expanded second edition examines sex and gender differences in the immune system''s response to bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. The volume discusses both common and distinct molecular mechanisms that mediate these differences and illustrates how responses to vaccines may differ between the sexes and in pregnant individuals. Special emphasis is placed on the interplay between hormones and the immune system in the pathogenesis of HIV, SARS-CoV-2, influenza, malaria, tuberculosis, and amebiasis. This second edition includes completely rewritten chapters as well as all new contents.

This book is intended for researchers in academia and industry as well as clinicians in the fields of microbiology, immunology, and pharmacology. By expanding knowledge in sex and gender medicine as a basis for developing personalized treatment strategies, the book contributes to UN Sustainable Development Goals 3 (health and well-being) and 5 (gender equality).

This book provides an overview of the underlying sex-based and hormone-based differences in immunity, wound healing and pharmacokinetics, while also exploring how pregnancy affects immunity. The second part of the book shows, for the first time in a single volume, the growing number of infectious diseases for which sex and gender differences are noted, identifies common as well as distinct mechanisms mediating these differences and illustrates how responses to treatments might differ between the sexes. The awareness that males and females differ in their response to specific pathogens as well as to treatments for infectious diseases may yield sex-specific personalized treatments. This book will be of interest to basic scientists and clinicians in the fields of microbiology, immunology and pharmacology. Individuals working in academia, government and industry will also benefit from the information presented.

Why sex matters

Among human and nonhuman animals, the prevalence and intensity of infection typically is higher in males than females and may reflect differences in exposure as well as susceptibility to pathogens. Elevated immunity among females is a double-edged sword in which it is beneficial against infectious diseases but is detrimental in terms of increased development of autoimmune diseases.

The present book critically reviews the evolutionary origin and the functional mechanisms responsible for sexual dimorphism in response to infection. It emphasizes the value of examining responses in both males and females to improve our understanding about host-pathogen interactions in both sexes.

The contributors are experts in their specific disciplines which range from microbiology and immunology to genetics, pathology, and evolutionary biology.

The book aims at bringing insight to the treatment and management of infectious diseases; it delineates areas where knowledge is lacking and highlights future avenues of research.