Figure 7
From: A gender-related action of IFNbeta-therapy was found in multiple sclerosis
The re-establishment of immunological (Th cell-network) and neurological (no increase of EDSS) homeostasis in treated patient is induced by gender specific cytokine pathways. The results confirm cytokine regulation of immune response cell phases through gender specific pathways. Autoimmune disease susceptibility in women could be attributed to the influence of ΙL6, which plays a key role in autoimmune diseases, since it is a T cell differentiation switch factor from T-regs to Th17 cells. The greater likelihood of men developing the primary progressive form, on the other hand, could be the results of the influence of IFNγ on Th9 cell inhibition. Targets and biomarkers for clinical monitoring and translational research for the development of gender specific therapy, were found. sCD30 -TGFβ is a dual clinical biomarker for both sexes, while IL6-IL10 is a dual clinical biomarker specific for women and IL6-IL4 together with IFNγ-IL10 are dual clinical biomarkers specific for men. Lastly, differences in the IL10 and IL12p40 cytokine levels in men and IL12p40 and IL12p70 cytokine levels in women, are also gender specific biomarkers.