Role of Exercise Intensity on Th1/Th2 Immune Modulations During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to several pioneering scientific discoveries resulting in no effective solutions with the exception of vaccination. Moderate exercise is a significant non-pharmacological strategy, to reduce the infection-related burden of COVID-19, especially in patients who are obese, elderly, and with additional comorbidities. The imbalance of T helper type 1 (Th1) or T helper type 2 (Th2) cells has been well documented among populations who have suffered as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, and who are at maximum risk of infection and mortality. Moderate and low intensity exercise can benefit persons at risk from the disease and survivors by favorable modulation in Th1/Th2 ratios. Moreover, in COVID-19 patients, mild to moderate intensity aerobic exercise also increases immune system function but high intensity aerobic exercise may have adverse effects on immune responses. In addition, sustained hypoxia in COVID-19 patients has been reported to cause organ failure and cell death. Hypoxic conditions have also been highlighted to be triggered in COVID-19-susceptible individuals and COVID-19 survivors. This suggests that hypoxia inducible factor (HIF 1α) might be an important focus for researchers investigating effective strategies to minimize the effects of the pandemic. Intermittent hypoxic preconditioning (IHP) is a method of exposing subjects to short bouts of moderate hypoxia interspersed with brief periods of normal oxygen concentrations (recovery). This methodology inhibits the production of pro-inflammatory factors, activates HIF-1α to activate target genes, and subsequently leads to a higher production of red blood cells and hemoglobin. This increases angiogenesis and increases oxygen transport capacity. These factors can help alleviate virus induced cardiopulmonary hemodynamic disorders and endothelial dysfunction. Therefore, during the COVID-19 pandemic we propose that populations should engage in low to moderate exercise individually designed, prescribed and specific, that utilizes IHP including pranayama (yoga), swimming and high-altitude hiking exercise. This would be beneficial in affecting HIF-1α to combat the disease and its severity. Therefore, the promotion of certain exercises should be considered by all sections of the population. However, exercise recommendations and prescription for COVID-19 patients should be structured to match individual levels of capability and adaptability.

mRNA Vaccines against SARS-CoV-2: Advantages and Caveats

“…These responses are efficacious in raising antiviral immunity while activating antibody responses. Th1 responses are regulated by T cells which mainly express IFN-gamma and IL-2, and they have a key role in attracting immune cells to the site of infection and in mediating the T-cell cytotoxicity of infected cells; Th2 responses are regulated by T cells expressing mainly IL-4 and IL-10, and they are involved in efficacious antibody production and airway inflammation observed in some respiratory diseases [ 75 ]. On the other hand, Th17 responses are regulated by T cells expressing IL-17, IL-6 and IFN-gamma.…”

Innate and adaptive immune response in SARS-CoV-2 infection-Current perspectives

“…The disproportionality of T helper type 1 (Th1) or Th2 cells has been well elucidated in patients suffered from COVID-19 pandemic and non-infected people who are at maximum risk of infection ( 26 ). In an observational study,COVID-19 patients have been reported to have lower proportion of Th1 and Th17 cells and a higher proportion of activated Th2 cells compared with control population ( 27 ).…”

Particulate Matter and Its Components Induce Alteration on the T-Cell Response: A Population Biomarker Study

“…The immune response plays vital roles in the development of respiratory diseases and cancer. 11,12 PM can increase the risk of these diseases by the dysfunction of the immune cells and their regulatory pathway. 24 As far as we know, this work is the first to explore the potential effects and exposure−response relationships of PM components on the T-cell response in population.…”

“…Immune systems take an important part in the development of respiratory diseases and cancers. , T lymphocytes, pluripotent stem cells derived primarily from bone marrow, differentiate and mature in thymus . T lymphocytes (CD4 + , CD8 + T cells, etc.)…”