Sex dictates IL-17A regulation: Inflammatory determinants in males versus a potassium-linked metabolic axis in females

David Chisompola, Emmanuel Luwaya, Martin Chakulya, Joseph M Chalwe, Joreen P Povia, Annet Kirabo and Sepiso K Masenga

PLOS ONE, 2026, vol. 21, issue 5, 1-1

Abstract: Background: Interleukin-17A (IL-17A) is a key Th17 cytokine involved in mucosal defense and chronic inflammation and serves as an important biomarker and therapeutic target in autoimmune, cardiovascular, and infectious diseases. Emerging evidence indicates that immune regulation may differ by sex, which may influence disease susceptibility, biomarker interpretation, and treatment response. However, few studies have examined sex-specific determinants of IL-17A. This study aimed to identify the sociodemographic, clinical, and inflammatory correlates of circulating IL-17A, with a specific focus on elucidating sex-specific determinants. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study in a cohort of adults attending routine clinic from Livingstone University Teaching Hospital in Zambia. Plasma levels of IL-17A and a panel of inflammatory cytokines were measured. Sociodemographic, metabolic and clinical data, including HIV status and ART regimen, were collected. Sex-stratified multiple linear regression models were used to identify independent correlates of IL-17A levels with statistical significance p

Date: 2026
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Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:plo:pone00:0341044

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0341044

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