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The natural cytotoxicity in cosmonauts on board space stations
Abstract:
The nature of the changes of resistance to infection seems to be very important. Our studies indicate that different functions of natural killers could be depressed after the spaceflight. The decrease of the percentage of the lymphocytes that can bind target cells lead to the lowering of the "active" NK level and this can be resulted in the depression of total NK activity and lowering of resistance to viral and tumor antigens. The investigation of natural killer cells in cosmonauts before and after short and long- term spaceflights also revealed the important role of spaceflight duration, stress and individual immune reactivity.
Insights
Spaceflight may suppress immune function by reducing natural killer (NK) cell activity. This decrease in NK cells lowers resistance to viral and tumor threats, highlighting the impact of space travel on the immune system.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Space Medicine
- Cellular Biology
Background:
- Resistance to infection is crucial for health.
- Spaceflight is known to affect various physiological systems.
- The impact of spaceflight on immune cell function requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the changes in natural killer (NK) cell function after spaceflight.
- To determine the relationship between spaceflight duration and immune response.
- To understand the role of stress and individual immune reactivity in spaceflight-induced immune alterations.
Main Methods:
- Studying cosmonauts before and after short-term and long-term spaceflights.
- Analyzing the percentage of lymphocytes capable of binding target cells.
- Assessing the overall NK cell activity and resistance to specific antigens.
Main Results:
- Spaceflight was found to depress certain functions of natural killer (NK) cells.
- A decrease in lymphocytes binding target cells led to a lower "active" NK level.
- This reduction in NK activity correlated with lowered resistance to viral and tumor antigens.
Conclusions:
- Spaceflight duration, stress, and individual immune reactivity play significant roles in immune system changes observed in cosmonauts.
- Reduced NK cell activity post-spaceflight can compromise the immune system's ability to fight infections and tumors.
- Further research is needed to develop countermeasures against spaceflight-induced immunosuppression.