%0 Journal Article
%T HLH-30/TFEB mediates sexual dimorphism in immunity in caenorhabditis elegans.
%A Sohn J
%A Kwon S
%A Lee GY
%A Kim SS
%A Lee Y
%A Lee J
%A Jung Y
%A Ham S
%A Park HH
%A Park S
%A Ha SG
%A Lee D
%A Lee SV
%J Autophagy
%V 0
%N 0
%D 2024 Jul 4
%M 38963038
%F 13.391
%R 10.1080/15548627.2024.2375779
%X Sexual dimorphism affects various biological functions, including immune responses. However, the mechanisms by which sex alters immunity remain largely unknown. Using Caenorhabditis elegans as a model species, we showed that males exhibit enhanced immunity against various pathogenic bacteria through the upregulation of HLH-30 (Helix Loop Helix 30/TFEB (transcription factor EB), a transcription factor crucial for macroautophagy/autophagy. Compared with hermaphroditic C. elegans, males displayed increased activity of HLH-30/TFEB, which contributed to enhanced antibacterial immunity. atg-2 (AuTophaGy (yeast Atg homolog) 2) upregulated by HLH-30/TFEB mediated increased immunity in male C. elegans. Thus, the males appear to be equipped with enhanced HLH-30/TFEB-mediated autophagy, which increases pathogen resistance, and this may functionally prolong mate-searching ability with reduced risk of infection.