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.

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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
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article

Long-term sex differences in symptoms and immune profile in long COVID

Helena Soares, Juliana Gonçalves, José Feliz, Carolina Cabedo et al.
Biology of Sex Differences
Long-Term Effects of COVID-19
article

Long-term sex differences in symptoms and immune profile in long COVID

Helena Soares, Juliana Gonçalves, José Feliz, Carolina Cabedo, Maria Gamas, Maria Inês Neves, José Brito
article en

Abstract

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.

Biology of Sex DifferencesVol. 17(1)
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)
Openalex Percentile: Top 79%
Long-Term Effects of COVID-19
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Long-term sex differences in symptoms and immune profile in long COVID — Helena Soares, Juliana Gonçalves, et al. · Biology of Sex Differences (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS