Effects of microgravity and other space stressors in immunosuppression and viral reactivation with potential nervous system involvement

Mann, Vivek; Sundaresan, Alamelu; Mehta, Satish K.; Crucian, Brian; Doursout, Marie–Françoise; Devakottai, Sundar

doi:10.4103/0028-3886.259125

Cited by 12 publications

(10 citation statements)

References 3 publications

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“…Moreover, enrichment analysis in the tissue-wide analysis enriched herpes simplex infection and endocrine system development as prevalent molecular mechanisms across tissues (Figure 1C). Previous studies have reported immune alterations during spaceflight, consisting of reductions in T cell and Natural Killer (NK) cell function, and the reactivation of latent herpes viruses [33][34][35]. Spaceflight could induce increased levels of stress hormones including cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone, epinephrine, and norepinephrine through hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) and sympathetic-adrenal-medullary (SAM) axes activation [33][34][35].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Integrated RNA-seq Analysis Indicates Asynchrony in Clock Genes between Tissues under Spaceflight

Fujita

Rutter

Ong

et al. 2020

Life

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Rodent models have been widely used as analogs for estimating spaceflight-relevant molecular mechanisms in human tissues. NASA GeneLab provides access to numerous spaceflight omics datasets that can potentially generate novel insights and hypotheses about fundamental space biology when analyzed in new and integrated fashions. Here, we performed a pilot study to elucidate space biological mechanisms across tissues by reanalyzing mouse RNA-sequencing spaceflight data archived on NASA GeneLab. Our results showed that clock gene expressions in spaceflight mice were altered compared with those in ground control mice. Furthermore, the results suggested that spaceflight promotes asynchrony of clock gene expressions between peripheral tissues. Abnormal circadian rhythms are associated not only with jet lag and sleep disorders but also with cancer, lifestyle-related diseases, and mental disorders. Overall, our findings highlight the importance of elucidating the causes of circadian rhythm disruptions using the unique approach of space biology research to one day potentially develop countermeasures that benefit humans on Earth and in space.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Integrated RNA-seq Analysis Indicates Asynchrony in Clock Genes between Tissues under Spaceflight

Fujita

Rutter

Ong

et al. 2020

Life

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“…Major changes in immune system function occur during spaceflight [72]. Circulating monocytes, T-cells, B-cells and neutrophils are all increased with a decrease in natural killer cells [73]. Distribution of peripheral leukocytes is altered with specific subpopulations showing diminished function [1].…”

Section: Immune Cell Responses To Microgravitymentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Latent viruses such as herpes reactivate [74,75] and indicate compromised adaptive immune function [1]. Epstein-Barr virus, cytomegalovirus and VZV (human neurotrophic alpha herpes virus) have also been reported to be reactivated during spaceflight [73]. Hypoplasia of the spleen can also occur with an increase in peripheral blood neutrophils [76,77].…”

Section: Immune Cell Responses To Microgravitymentioning

confidence: 99%

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Immunity in Space: Prokaryote Adaptations and Immune Response in Microgravity

Green

Aylott

Williams

et al. 2021

Life

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Immune dysfunction has long been reported by medical professionals regarding astronauts suffering from opportunistic infections both during their time in space and a short period afterwards once back on Earth. Various species of prokaryotes onboard these space missions or cultured in a microgravity analogue exhibit increased virulence, enhanced formation of biofilms, and in some cases develop specific resistance for specific antibiotics. This poses a substantial health hazard to the astronauts confined in constant proximity to any present bacterial pathogens on long space missions with a finite number of resources including antibiotics. Furthermore, some bacteria cultured in microgravity develop phenotypes not seen in Earth gravity conditions, providing novel insights into bacterial evolution and avenues for research. Immune dysfunction caused by exposure to microgravity may increase the chance of bacterial infection. Immune cell stimulation, toll-like receptors and pathogen-associated molecular patterns can all be altered in microgravity and affect immunological crosstalk and response. Production of interleukins and other cytokines can also be altered leading to immune dysfunction when responding to bacterial infection. Stem cell differentiation and immune cell activation and proliferation can also be impaired and altered by the microgravity environment once more adding to immune dysfunction in microgravity. This review elaborates on and contextualises these findings relating to how bacteria can adapt to microgravity and how the immune system subsequently responds to infection.

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“…Similarly, experimental models have been used in order to address the question of microgravity effects on blood monocytes. Human studies have highlighted that astronauts, manifest an increase in monocytes, neutrophils and T-helper cells but a decrease in natural killer cells [ 35 ]. Previous studies have indicated the changes in monocyte physiology during spaceflight, where it has been found that monocytes lose their ability to trap bacteria after 5 days under microgravity [ 36 ].…”

Section: Effects Of Altered Gravity On Homo Sapiens and Other Vertebrate Speciesmentioning

confidence: 99%

Gravitational Influence on Human Living Systems and the Evolution of Species on Earth

et al. 2021

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Gravity constituted the only constant environmental parameter, during the evolutionary period of living matter on Earth. However, whether gravity has affected the evolution of species, and its impact is still ongoing. The topic has not been investigated in depth, as this would require frequent and long-term experimentations in space or an environment of altered gravity. In addition, each organism should be studied throughout numerous generations to determine the profound biological changes in evolution. Here, we review the significant abnormalities presented in the cardiovascular, immune, vestibular and musculoskeletal systems, due to altered gravity conditions. We also review the impact that gravity played in the anatomy of snakes and amphibians, during their evolution. Overall, it appears that gravity does not only curve the space–time continuum but the biological continuum, as well.

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Effects of microgravity and other space stressors in immunosuppression and viral reactivation with potential nervous system involvement

Cited by 12 publications

References 3 publications

Integrated RNA-seq Analysis Indicates Asynchrony in Clock Genes between Tissues under Spaceflight

Integrated RNA-seq Analysis Indicates Asynchrony in Clock Genes between Tissues under Spaceflight

Immunity in Space: Prokaryote Adaptations and Immune Response in Microgravity

Gravitational Influence on Human Living Systems and the Evolution of Species on Earth

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