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Related Concept Videos

What is the Immune System?01:38

What is the Immune System?

Overview
Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection01:26

Factors Affecting the Risk of Infection

The hosts' susceptibility to infection depends on several factors. The integrity of the skin and mucous membranes helps protect the body against microbial attacks. When the skin is altered, the chance of infection, limb loss, and even death increases.
The integrity and count of the white blood cells help the body resist pathogens and fight infection. When impaired, it reduces the body's resistance to pathogens. The acidic pH levels of the gastrointestinal, genitourinary tracts, and skin create...
Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens01:31

Defense Against Bacterial Pathogens

The human immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against bacterial infections. It consists of various immune cells, each playing a specific role in the defense mechanism.
Phagocytes
Phagocytes are the frontline soldiers of the immune system. They include neutrophils and macrophages. Neutrophils are the most abundant type of white blood cell and are quickly mobilized to the site of infection. Macrophages are larger cells that patrol...
Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens01:29

Immune Response Against Viral Pathogens

The immune system's response to viral infections is a complex and coordinated process involving natural killer (NK) cells, T cell-mediated responses, and antibody-mediated responses.
NK Cells
NK cells are a crucial part of our innate immune system, acting as the first line of defense against viral infections. These cells can recognize and kill infected cells without prior exposure to the virus, effectively slowing down the spread of infection. Additionally, NK cells produce proinflammatory...
Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response01:27

Cytotoxic T Cells-mediated Immune Response

Cytotoxic T cells are a vital component of the immune system. They have the remarkable ability to identify and target antigens on infected or abnormal cells. These antigens often originate from intracellular pathogens such as viruses or abnormal proteins cancer cells produce.
Immunological surveillance is the ability of immune cells to monitor and eliminate infected cells with intracellular pathogens, neoplastically transformed cells, and cells with non-self antigens. Cytotoxic T cells and NK...
Development of Immunocompetence01:22

Development of Immunocompetence

The initiation of cell-mediated immunity can be observed as early as the third month of fetal growth, with active antibody-mediated immunity following approximately one month later.
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Subsequent T...

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Conducting Maximal and Submaximal Endurance Exercise Testing to Measure Physiological and Biological Responses to Acute Exercise in Humans
07:26

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Published on: October 17, 2018

The BASES expert statement on exercise, immunity, and infection.

Michael Gleeson1, Neil P Walsh,

  • 1School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK. m.gleeson@lboro.ac.uk

Journal of Sports Sciences
|December 3, 2011
PubMed
Summary

Regular moderate exercise can lower infection risk, but intense training may increase it. Lifestyle and nutrition strategies can help mitigate exercise-induced immune suppression and reduce infection susceptibility.

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Area of Science:

  • Exercise immunology
  • Infectious disease risk

Background:

  • Physical activity significantly impacts immune function and infection risk.
  • Moderate exercise is linked to reduced infection rates, while overtraining increases susceptibility.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To summarize evidence on physical activity, immune function, and infection risk.
  • To provide practical guidelines for managing exercise-induced immune effects.

Main Methods:

  • Review of scientific literature on exercise, immunity, and infection.
  • Expert consensus on evidence-based strategies.

Main Results:

  • Sedentary behavior increases infection risk compared to moderate activity.
  • Intense and prolonged exercise can temporarily suppress immune function, raising infection risk.
  • Specific lifestyle, nutritional, and training modifications can minimize immune depression.

Conclusions:

  • Balancing exercise intensity and recovery is crucial for immune health.
  • Implementing targeted strategies can help athletes and individuals minimize infection risk.
  • Evidence supports proactive management of immune function in relation to physical activity levels.