The Immunomodulatory Effects of Social Isolation in Mice are Linked to Temperature Control

Abstract

Living in isolation is considered an emerging societal problem that negatively affects the physical wellbeing of its sufferers in ways that we are just starting to appreciate. This study investigates the immunomodulatory effects of social isolation in mice, utilising a two-week program of sole cage occupancy followed by the testing of immune-inflammatory resilience to bacterial sepsis. Our results revealed that mice housed in social isolation showed an increased ability to clear bacterial infection compared to control socially housed animals. These effects were associated with specific changes in whole blood gene expression profile and an increased production of classical pro-inflammatory cytokines. Interestingly, equipping socially isolated mice with artificial nests as a substitute for their natural huddling behaviour reversed the increased resistance to bacterial sepsis. These results further highlight the ability of the immune system to act as a sensor of our living conditions and to respond in a compensatory fashion to external challenges that might threaten the survival of the host.

In the pursuit of new social neurons. Neurogenesis and social behavior in mice: A systematic review

“…Consequently, a recreation of this condition in mice is counterbalanced with vaccination (Wu et al, 2018). Other authors found that social isolation primed the immune system of isolated mice for infection allowing them to clear bacterial threats more effectively than grouped mice (Hamilton et al, 2022). Thus, housing conditions could be a key variable to understand fluctuations in NSC activity through immune system modification.…”