Why Women’s Immune Systems Differ Genetically | Science News

Science News Today | 2 Min News | The Daily News Now! · Aug 20, 2026 · 1m

Scientists have uncovered over a thousand genetic switches that behave differently in male and female immune cells, revealing why women are far more likely to develop autoimmune diseases like lupus. Female immune systems are naturally wired for stronger inflammatory responses — helpful against infections but risky when they turn against the body’s own tissues. This groundbreaking research, which examines immune cells individually rather than averages, shows these differences span beyond sex chromosomes, challenging old assumptions. The discovery opens the door to precision medicine…