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Sex and gender in infection and immunity: addressing the bottlenecks from basic science to public health and clinical applications

Authors :
Chloé Pasin
Camila R. Consiglio
Jana S. Huisman
Ann-Marie G. de Lange
Hannah Peckham
Enriqueta Vallejo-Yagüe
Irene A. Abela
Ulrika Islander
Nadia Neuner-Jehle
Maria Pujantell
Olivia Roth
Melanie Schirmer
Burcu Tepekule
Marius Zeeb
Anna Hachfeld
Karoline Aebi-Popp
Roger D. Kouyos
Sebastian Bonhoeffer
Source :
Royal Society Open Science, Vol 10, Iss 7 (2023)
Publication Year :
2023
Publisher :
The Royal Society, 2023.

Abstract

Although sex and gender are recognized as major determinants of health and immunity, their role is rarely considered in clinical practice and public health. We identified six bottlenecks preventing the inclusion of sex and gender considerations from basic science to clinical practice, precision medicine and public health policies. (i) A terminology-related bottleneck, linked to the definitions of sex and gender themselves, and the lack of consensus on how to evaluate gender. (ii) A data-related bottleneck, due to gaps in sex-disaggregated data, data on trans/non-binary people and gender identity. (iii) A translational bottleneck, limited by animal models and the underrepresentation of gender minorities in biomedical studies. (iv) A statistical bottleneck, with inappropriate statistical analyses and results interpretation. (v) An ethical bottleneck posed by the underrepresentation of pregnant people and gender minorities in clinical studies. (vi) A structural bottleneck, as systemic bias and discriminations affect not only academic research but also decision makers. We specify guidelines for researchers, scientific journals, funding agencies and academic institutions to address these bottlenecks. Following such guidelines will support the development of more efficient and equitable care strategies for all.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
20545703
Volume :
10
Issue :
7
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Royal Society Open Science
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.5fc47d8be8ec4bdd9319e0dcba11b120
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1098/rsos.221628