Sex differences in depression: An immunological perspective

Depression is a heterogenous disorder with symptoms that present differently across individuals. In a subset of people depression is associated with alterations of the immune system that may contribute to disorder onset and symptomology. Women are twice as likely to develop depression and on average have a more sensitive adaptive and innate immune system when compared to men. Sex differences in pattern recognition receptors (PRRs), release of damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), cell populations, and circulating cytokines play a critical role in inflammation onset. Sex differences in innate and adaptive immunity change the response of and repair to damage caused by dangerous pathogens or molecules in the body. This article reviews the evidence for sex specific immune responses that contribute to the sex differences in symptoms of depression that may account for the higher rate of depression in women.

Automated summary

Depression is a heterogenous disorder with different symptoms across individuals. In some cases, alterations of the immune system are associated with depression onset and symptoms. Women have a higher likelihood of developing depression and a more sensitive immune system compared to men. Sex differences in pattern recognition receptors, release of damage-associated molecular patterns, cell populations, and circulating cytokines contribute to inflammation onset. These immune response differences may explain the higher rate of depression in women.