Long-term sex differences in symptoms and immune profile in long COVID
Even though our cohort is small it suggests that prolonged LC is characterized by sex-specific differences in symptom burden and immune profiles. Reduced cytotoxic CD8⁺ T cell profile in females may contribute to viral persistence and neurological symptoms, whereas elevated inflammatory markers in males suggest distinct immune pathways. These findings highlight the need for sex- and duration-specific management strategies, the identification of biomarkers, and the development of personalized therapies targeting specific LC endotypes.
Authors
- Helena Soares
- Juliana Gonçalves
- José Feliz
- Carolina Cabedo
- Maria Gamas
- Maria Inês Neves
- José Brito
Institutions
- San Antonio College (US)
- Escola Superior de Saúde Egas Moniz (PT)
- Administração Regional de Saúde de Lisboa e Vale do Tejo (PT)
- Nova Medical (United States) (US)
- Instituto de Saúde (BR)
- Universidade Nova de Lisboa (PT)
Publication Details
- Journal
- Biology of Sex Differences
- Published
- 2026-01-27
- DOI
- https://doi.org/10.1186/s13293-026-00825-9
- Primary Topic
- Long-Term Effects of COVID-19
- Type
- article
- Field-Weighted Citation Impact
- 0.00