Sex differences in the percentage of IRF5 positive B cells are associated with higher production of TNF-α in women in response to TLR9 in humans

Abstract

Highlights Women showed higher percentage of IRF5 positive B cells compared to men. After stimulation with a TLR7 or TLR9 agonist, women showed higher percentages of IRF5 positive B cells compared with those of men. B cells of women produced higher levels of TNF-α in response to TLR9 stimulation. IRF5 represents a potential therapeutic target to reduce harmful B cell-mediated immune responses in women.

Keywords

• B cells
• Interferon regulatory factor 5
• Sex differences
• Toll-like receptor 7/9
• Tumor necrosis factor-α