Single Cell Analysis of Sex Differences in Multiple Sclerosis
Researchers analyzed single-cell data from the central nervous system and peripheral blood of people with multiple sclerosis (MS) to identify sex-based molecular differences. Findings suggested that female neurons might have protective mechanisms against neurodegeneration, while male immune cells displayed characteristics that could contribute to neurodegeneration, particularly in specific T cell types.
- Tags
- #MSResearch
- Most relevant to
- —
- Human efficacy
- Not established from this source
- Mechanism
- Not reported
- Evidence strength
- Not graded
- Outcome
- Not reported
Why it matters
This study highlights significant sex-based differences in the immune response and neuronal protection related to MS, which could inform future research and understanding of disease mechanisms.
What this does not prove
The study does not establish causation or therapeutic efficacy of the findings.
Next milestone
No next milestone was established from the available source.
Study facts
- Study design
- Not reported
- Participants / samples
- Not reported
- Randomised
- Not reported
- Controlled
- Not reported
- Primary endpoint met
- Not reported
- Relevant MS type
- Not reported
- Publication date
- 2026-07-24
- Evidence reviewed
- Abstract only
- Regulatory approval
- Not reported
- Research areas
- Not classified
- Biological target
- Not reported
- Pathway
- Not reported
- Population
- humans with multiple sclerosis
- Size of effect
- Not reported
- Secondary endpoints
- Not reported
- MRI endpoints
- Not reported
- Biomarkers
- Not reported
- Safety
- Not reported
Original sources
- Primary evidenceSingle cell landscape of sex differences in the different courses of multiple sclerosis. ↗DOI: 10.1186/s13293-026-00957-y
Supporting passages (6)
publication datePublication date: 2026-07-24
populationIt is known that sex plays a crucial role in this heterogeneity; females are two to three times more likely to suffer from multiple sclerosis, while males suffer from more rapid neurodegeneration with greater severity.
findingsRESULTS: To gain insight into the sex-based molecular differences, we processed single cell datasets from the central nervous system and the peripheral blood, covering the different courses of multiple sclerosis. We generated cell-type specific landscapes, including gene signatures from differentially expressed genes, functional profiling, pathway activation, and cell-cell communication networks for females, males, and their sex differential profiles. Among our findings, we revealed that female neurons may exhibit protective mechanisms against neurodegeneration. In the inflammatory-predominant forms, female immune cells present an inflammatory core driven by the AP-1 transcription factor, while male adaptive immune cells exhibit higher mitochondrial impairment. Conversely, larger differences are reported in CD8 + T cells progressive forms, with males exhibiting cytolytic profiles that may promote neurodegeneration. Complete results can be explored in the interactive webtool https://irsoler.shinyapps.io/cbl-atlas-ms/ .
limitationsTitle: Single cell landscape of sex differences in the different courses of multiple sclerosis.
peer reviewedPublication types: Journal Article
subjectsMeSH terms: Multiple Sclerosis; Female; Sex Characteristics; Humans; Male; Single-Cell Analysis
AI assessment, not yet reviewed by a person · version 2 · Community votes are separate from evidence review.