Host factors mediating sex differences in viral infection

In summary, these data illustrate immunologic and behavioral differences that exist between the sexes and emphasize the need for a multifaceted approach when investigating hostpathogen systems to better understand the mechanisms mediating the expression of sex differences in response to infection. Because males and females do, in fact, respond differently to infection, they may also respond differently to treatments for infection (eg, attenuated virus or DNA vaccines). These data speak to the significance of these types of studies and to the importance of combining multiple disciplines to better understand and address these kinds of multifaceted questions.