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Published on: October 17, 2018
High-Load Compared With Low-Load Resistance Exercise Differentially Modulates Immune Responses of CD4 + T Cells in
Augusto Corrêa de Queiroz Freitas1, Cláudio Lera Orsatti1,2, Anna Victória Bernardes E Borges3
1Exercise Biology Laboratory (BioEx), Health Science Institute, Federal University of Triângulo Mineiro (UFTM), Uberaba, Brazil.
Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research
|May 11, 2026
Summary
High-load resistance exercise significantly boosts CD4+ T cells expressing heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) in postmenopausal women, potentially enhancing immune function during aging.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Exercise Physiology
- Aging Research
Background:
- Postmenopausal women experience immunosenescence due to estrogen deficiency, characterized by reduced HSP27 and altered lymphocyte function.
- Resistance exercise (RE) shows promise in mitigating aging-related immune decline, but optimal protocols and underlying mechanisms require further investigation.
- Understanding the differential effects of high-load (HL) versus low-load (LL) RE on immune markers like HSP27 and IL-10 in CD4+ T cells is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the impact of HL (90% 1RM) and LL (50% 1RM) resistance exercise protocols on lymphocyte mobilization and immune marker expression in postmenopausal women.
- To investigate the specific effects on CD4+ T cells, including heat shock protein 27 (HSP27) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) expression.
- To elucidate the distinct cellular and molecular responses elicited by different resistance training intensities.
Main Methods:
- A randomized crossover study involving thirteen postmenopausal women with prior resistance training experience.
- Subjects completed both HL and LL resistance exercise protocols separated by a 7-day washout period.
- Blood samples were analyzed pre-exercise, immediately post-exercise, and 1-hour post-exercise for lymphocyte counts, HSP27, phosphorylated HSP27 (phosHSP27), IL-1β, IL-10, and lactate.
Main Results:
- Both HL and LL resistance exercise protocols increased total lymphocyte and CD4+ T cell counts post-exercise.
- The HL protocol significantly elevated CD4+ T cells expressing total HSP27, phosHSP27, and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10.
- Circulating HSP27 levels rose significantly after HL, while LL induced greater increases in lactate.
Conclusions:
- High-load resistance exercise elicits a distinct immune response in postmenopausal women, characterized by increased CD4+ T cells expressing phosphorylated HSP27 and IL-10.
- These findings suggest that HL resistance training may offer greater benefits for immune health and healthy aging in this population compared to LL.
- Further research into the specific molecular pathways modulated by HL RE is warranted to optimize exercise interventions for aging women.
