Sex, aging and immunity in multiple sclerosis and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis: An intriguing interaction


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Boziki M., Theotokis P., Kesidou E., Karafoulidou E., Konstantinou C., Michailidou I., ...More

Frontiers in Neurology, vol.13, 2023 (SCI-Expanded) identifier identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Review
  • Volume: 13
  • Publication Date: 2023
  • Doi Number: 10.3389/fneur.2022.1104552
  • Journal Name: Frontiers in Neurology
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, EMBASE, Directory of Open Access Journals
  • Keywords: sex, relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis, progressive multiple sclerosis, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis, aging
  • Hacettepe University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

Copyright © 2023 Boziki, Theotokis, Kesidou, Karafoulidou, Konstantinou, Michailidou, Bahar, Altintas and Grigoriadis.Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS) with a profound neurodegenerative component early in the disease pathogenesis. Age is a factor with a well-described effect on the primary disease phenotype, namely, the relapsing-remitting vs. the primary progressive disease. Moreover, aging is a prominent factor contributing to the transition from relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) to secondary progressive disease. However, sex also seems to, at least in part, dictate disease phenotype and evolution, as evidenced in humans and in animal models of the disease. Sex-specific gene expression profiles have recently elucidated an association with differential immunological signatures in the context of experimental disease. This review aims to summarize current knowledge stemming from experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) models regarding the effects of sex, either independently or as a factor combined with aging, on disease phenotype, with relevance to the immune system and the CNS.