Understanding Sex Differences in Autoimmune Gland Conditions
Determinants of sex disparities in autoimmune endocrinopathies.
This project explores why autoimmune conditions affecting glands, like the thyroid, are more common in women than men.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California Los Angeles NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11190814 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many autoimmune conditions, especially those affecting glands like the thyroid, are much more common in women. This project aims to understand why these differences exist by looking at how sex hormones, like androgens, and genes on the X chromosome influence immune cells. Researchers will study how these factors affect the immune cells that can damage endocrine tissues. They will also look at immune cells from patients with Klinefelter Syndrome, who have an extra X chromosome, to better understand these mechanisms. This work could help explain why certain autoimmune diseases show strong female predisposition.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with autoimmune conditions affecting glands, such as autoimmune thyroiditis, and those with Klinefelter Syndrome, may be ideal candidates for future related studies.
Not a fit: Patients whose autoimmune conditions are not influenced by sex hormones or X-linked genes may not directly benefit from this specific line of research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new ways to prevent or treat autoimmune gland conditions by targeting the specific factors that cause sex differences.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has suggested a role for sex hormones, and recent data from this team points to an additional role for X-linked genes, building on existing knowledge.
Where this research is happening
Los Angeles, United States
- University of California Los Angeles — Los Angeles, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Su, Maureen a — University of California Los Angeles
- Study coordinator: Su, Maureen a
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.