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Autoimmune diseases—such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and thyroiditis—affect over 8.5 million people in the United States. Of these, a disproportionate number (about 6.7 million) are women (1). In multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis, the female to male ratio is between 2: 1 and 3: 1, whereas in lupus the distribution is more skewed, with nine times as many women affected as men (2). The precise reasons for this gender bias are unclear.

To promote further understanding of the basis for gender differences in autoimmune disease, a task force of clinical and basic scientists was convened by the US National Multiple Sclerosis Society. The task force summarized what is currently known about sex differences in autoimmunity and developed a research agenda, ranking five areas as priorities for future investigation. In addition, they formulated a policy to encourage …