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Sleep enhances serum interleukin-7 concentrations in humans
Christian Benedict1, Stoyan Dimitrov, Lisa Marshall
1Department of Neuroendocrinology, University of Lübeck, Ratzeburger Allee 160, Hs 23a, 23538 Lübeck, Germany. benedict@kfg.uni-luebeck.de
Brain, Behavior, and Immunity
|May 26, 2007
Summary
Sleep enhances immune function by increasing interleukin-7 (IL-7) levels, crucial for T cell memory formation. This study found higher IL-7 during sleep, particularly REM sleep, supporting sleep's role in adaptive immunity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Sleep Science
- Endocrinology
Background:
- Sleep significantly impacts immune system function, particularly T cell-mediated adaptive immunity and antibody production.
- Interleukin-7 (IL-7) and Interleukin-15 (IL-15) are vital cytokines for regulating T cell numbers and differentiation into memory cells.
Purpose of the Study:
- To differentiate the specific effects of sleep versus circadian rhythm on IL-7 and IL-15 levels.
- To investigate the relationship between sleep, particularly REM sleep, and IL-7 concentrations.
Main Methods:
- Serum IL-7 and monocyte membrane-bound IL-15 (mIL-15) were measured in 18 men during a normal sleep-wake cycle and a 24-hour period of continuous wakefulness.
- Monocyte mIL-15 expression was assessed on CD14(+) monocytes.
Main Results:
- Serum IL-7 concentrations were significantly higher during sleep, especially late sleep, compared to wakefulness (p<0.05).
- Monocyte mIL-15 density did not change significantly between sleep and wakefulness.
- The increase in IL-7 during sleep correlated with REM sleep duration but not with growth hormone, cortisol, or norepinephrine levels.
Conclusions:
- Sleep, independent of circadian rhythm, supports T cell function by increasing IL-7 levels.
- These findings suggest sleep plays a crucial role in the development of T cell memory.
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