Gender Dimorphism in the Gut: Mucosal Protection by Estrogen Stimulation of IgA Transcytosis

IgA transcytosis was augmented by E2 in a dose-response fashion. This effect was due to augmented intracellular trafficking of IgA and later partly due to increased pIgR expression. The dose-related effects of E2 on IgA transport confirm the findings in animal studies that improved outcomes in females can be related to the estrus cycle.