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Time is on the Immune System's Side, Yes it is
Sydney H Abele1, Kali E Meadows1, Destynie Medeiros1
1Department of Biology, University of Hartford, West Hartford, CT.
The Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine
|June 29, 2019
Summary
Nearly all organisms have daily rhythms influencing physiology and behavior. Recent studies reveal daily immune system variations, impacting pathogen control and responses, with potential for chrono-immunotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Chronobiology
- Microbiology
Background:
- Circadian rhythms, daily physiological cycles, affect nearly all organisms from bacteria to mammals.
- These rhythms influence gene expression, physiology, and behavior, including crucial aspects of the immune response.
- The field of chrono-immunology investigates the time-of-day-dependent regulation of immunity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings (past five years) in chrono-immunology.
- To highlight newly identified immune parameters exhibiting daily variations.
- To explore the interplay between circadian rhythms and immune function in pathogen control and response to microbes.
Main Methods:
- Review of studies published within the last five years.
- Analysis of research investigating circadian rhythm disruption and immune function.
- Examination of studies on microbial components affecting the circadian clock.
- Inclusion of human studies demonstrating daily variations in immune responses.
Main Results:
- Daily variations exist in immune system parameters controlling pathogens and responding to microbial components.
- Disruption of circadian rhythms demonstrably impairs immune function.
- Microbial components can influence and alter the host's circadian clock.
- Significant daily variations in immune responses are observed in human subjects.
Conclusions:
- The immune system exhibits significant daily variations, impacting pathogen defense and response to microbes.
- Understanding these circadian immune dynamics is crucial for effective disease management.
- Further research into the circadian clock-immune system connection may unlock novel chrono-immunotherapy strategies for disease treatment and prevention.