Sex‐Specific Factors Influencing HIV Infection

ABSTRACT Immune responses are key in controlling viral infections such as HIV‐1, which remains a global challenge to public health. X/Y‐chromosome‐encoded genes and sex steroid hormones can modulate immune cells and drive distinct patterns of gene and protein expression involved in antiviral function, impacting sex‐dependent immune responses and altering the balance of specific immune pathways. These sex‐specific differences in antiviral immune responses have significant consequences for the outcome of HIV‐1 infection. A better understanding of sex differences in HIV‐1‐specific antiviral immunity is required to implement and develop new strategies for prevention, treatment and ultimately a functional cure against HIV‐1. Here we review the impact of X‐ and Y‐encoded genes and the role of sex steroid hormones on modulating antiviral immune responses against HIV‐1 and the consequences for disease manifestations in people living with HIV‐1.