How does space affect the immune system of astronauts? Microgravity ImmuneSystem RadiationEffects SpaceResearch SpaceMissions HealthConsequences SpaceExploration Immunosuppression ChronicDiseases Space Nature_NPJ
By Tarun Sai LomteJul 2 2023Reviewed by Benedette Cuffari, M.Sc. Space is a hostile environment for humans, posing multiple health risks, including the ability to induce immune system changes during spaceflight. This immune system dysregulation can have severe consequences for space missions.
Study: Next generation of astronauts or ESA astronaut 2.0 concept and spotlight on immunity. Image Credit: Jbruiz / Shutterstock.com Mice flown onboard a satellite for a month exhibited changes in the expression of proteins involved in immune cell and bone development in their femurs. B-cells were also reduced in the spleen and bone marrow of these mice one week after landing. Similarly, murine fetal thymus under simulated microgravity revealed a decline in T-cell maturation stages.
The cytotoxic ability of natural killer cells decreased under μG and sμG conditions. Dendritic cell proliferation from progenitor cells in human blood was suppressed under sμG, along with the reduced expression of cluster of differentiation 80 and major histocompatibility complex class II molecules.
A six-month stay on the ISS caused no changes in B-cell counts. Nevertheless, one study reported an altered IgM repertoire in two cosmonauts who spent six months on the ISS. Studying irritation and infection due to contamination with microbial, Martian, or lunar material could also be relevant. Vaccination of astronauts before and during spaceflights should be considered for maximum protection against infectious diseases.
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