Immune System – NSBRI http://nsbri.org National Space Biomedical Research Institute Mon, 21 Mar 2016 17:15:24 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.5.9 The role of microgravity and stress-related humoral factors in dysregulated NK-cell function during spaceflight (First Award Fellowship) http://nsbri.org/researches/the-role-of-microgravity-and-stress-related-humoral-factors-in-dysregulated-nk-cell-function-during-spaceflight/ Wed, 27 Jan 2016 04:49:27 +0000 http://nsbri.org/?post_type=research&p=21388 Before we can ethically send astronauts to distant locations in space, such as Mars or asteroids, it is critical that we understand how spaceflight affects the human immune system. For years, post-flight data has suggested that spaceflight has a negative impact on the immune system. Unfortunately, the majority of this data was obtained following short-duration […]

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]]> Before we can ethically send astronauts to distant locations in space, such as Mars or asteroids, it is critical that we understand how spaceflight affects the human immune system. For years, post-flight data has suggested that spaceflight has a negative impact on the immune system. Unfortunately, the majority of this data was obtained following short-duration missions after the astronauts had returned to Earth, meaning that no in-flight data was collected. The recent ‘Integrated Immune’ study filled many of these knowledge gaps by analyzing blood obtained from astronauts on the Space Shuttle or International Space Station (ISS) while they were still in space. Of particular interest were the findings that anti-viral immune responses were compromised during spaceflight. Consequently, latent viral reactivation can result in many negative consequences including Shingles, reduced vaccine efficacy, and increased susceptibility to infection.

While the ‘Integrated Immune’ study focused primarily on the adaptive immune system, our ‘Salivary Markers’ flight experiment has focused on the innate immune system. The current proposal focuses on natural killer (NK)-cells, which are able to kill virally-infected and malignant cells without prior exposure. Our in-flight data shows that NK-cell anti-tumor activity is greatly reduced during spaceflight, while cytomegalovirus (CMV)-driven responses are amplified. The current proposal will explore two plausible mechanisms for these observations; microgravity and stress. The effects of microgravity can be simulated with a rotating wall vessel that keeps the cells in a constant state of freefall, while stress can be simulated using serum (with natural stress hormones) from astronauts on ISS. It is hypothesized that treatment with simulated microgravity and spaceflight-derived serum will mimic the deleterious effects of spaceflight on NK-cells. Once we have determined the mechanisms underpinning the adverse effects of spaceflight on NK-cells, we can begin to develop countermeasures that will protect future space explorers from becoming immunocompromised during long-duration missions.

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]]> Center for Space Radiation Research (CSRR) http://nsbri.org/researches/center-for-space-radiation-research-csrr/ Tue, 15 Dec 2015 16:58:15 +0000 http://nsbri.org/researches/center-for-space-radiation-research-csrr/ When astronauts travel beyond low-Earth orbit (LEO), they will be exposed to galactic cosmic rays and will also be at risk of exposure to bursts of proton radiation due to largely unpredictable solar particle events. (SPEs). While the health problems from an SPE can be immediate, exposure to heavy ions (galactic cosmic rays) may cause […]

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]]> When astronauts travel beyond low-Earth orbit (LEO), they will be exposed to galactic cosmic rays and will also be at risk of exposure to bursts of proton radiation due to largely unpredictable solar particle events. (SPEs). While the health problems from an SPE can be immediate, exposure to heavy ions (galactic cosmic rays) may cause long-term health risks. For instance, the results of recent epidemiological studies on Earth-based radiation exposures suggest that the heart and vasculature may be more sensitive to radiation than previously thought and may be at risk for late degenerative effects.

The Center for Space Radiation Research (CSRR) is comprised of teams from four institutions that work closely together to assess both the acute and late risks of low-dose proton and heavy ion exposures, and identify safe countermeasures that may protect astronauts against radiation effects. The researchers will use animal models to conduct the studies.

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]]> Biology of Virus Infections: Radiation and Immunity http://nsbri.org/researches/biology-of-virus-infections-radiation-and-immunity/ Tue, 15 Dec 2015 16:55:26 +0000 http://nsbri.org/researches/biology-of-virus-infections-radiation-and-immunity/ The hypothesis of this project is that conditions of spaceflight – including solar radiation – damage the human immune system, leading to reactivation of latent viruses, increased viral infections and disease, and the possible development of cancer. Dr. Janet S. Butel’s laboratory is studying the immune system responses of mice in space-like conditions to determine […]

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]]> The hypothesis of this project is that conditions of spaceflight – including solar radiation – damage the human immune system, leading to reactivation of latent viruses, increased viral infections and disease, and the possible development of cancer. Dr. Janet S. Butel’s laboratory is studying the immune system responses of mice in space-like conditions to determine the effect of space radiation on viral infections and virus-infected cells and to determine the ability of the mice to overcome viral infections and virus-induced cancers. This investigation will provide insights into the effects of spaceflight on infectious diseases and help develop methods for detecting, treating, and preventing virus reactivation.

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]]> Fluid Shift Associated Lymphostasis of the Gut Induces Inflammation and Microbial Intolerance (First Award Fellowship) http://nsbri.org/researches/fluid-shift-associated-lymphostasis-of-the-gut-induces-inflammation-and-microbial-intolerance/ Wed, 27 Jan 2016 04:59:55 +0000 http://nsbri.org/?post_type=research&p=21392 Our project will test the effects of space flight and ground-based simulations of microgravity on the function of the lymphatic system of the intestines and potential effects this may have on the immunology, nutrition and microbiomics of animals. The lymphatic system of the intestine serves to transport lipid nutrients from the lumen of the gut […]

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]]> Our project will test the effects of space flight and ground-based simulations of microgravity on the function of the lymphatic system of the intestines and potential effects this may have on the immunology, nutrition and microbiomics of animals. The lymphatic system of the intestine serves to transport lipid nutrients from the lumen of the gut to the systemic circulation while simultaneously sampling antigen and transporting immune cells from the tissue to the lymph node and returning fluids and proteins leaked from the blood vasculature to the systemic circulation. The gut is host to the greatest number of non-self organisms in the body and the lymphatic system is key to monitoring this interaction through antigen sampling and regulation of nutrient load in the gut. Dysfunction of the lymphatic system in the gut leads to inflammation due to impaired clearance of cells, fluid and debris from the tissue and impaired host microbiome interaction through loss of immunological tolerance to the commensal microbes and impaired lipid uptake as well as protein shedding from the tissue into the lumen of the gut which causes shifts in the microbiome constituents.

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]]> Effect of Deep-Space Radiation on Human Hematopoietic Stem and Progenitor Cell Function http://nsbri.org/researches/effect-of-deep-space-radiation-on-human-hematopoietic-stem-and-progenitor-cell-function/ Tue, 15 Dec 2015 16:55:25 +0000 http://nsbri.org/researches/effect-of-deep-space-radiation-on-human-hematopoietic-stem-and-progenitor-cell-function/ Little is known about the effects of deep space radiation on hematopoietic progenitor cells (bone marrow stem cells that can become any of the following: platelets, white blood cells and red blood cells, among others). Hematopoietic stem cells give rise to both the blood and immune systems, and damage to these cells from space’s high-radiation […]

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]]> Little is known about the effects of deep space radiation on hematopoietic progenitor cells (bone marrow stem cells that can become any of the following: platelets, white blood cells and red blood cells, among others). Hematopoietic stem cells give rise to both the blood and immune systems, and damage to these cells from space’s high-radiation environment could have grave immediate and long-term consequences. The goal of Dr. Alan M. Gewirtz’s research is to identify and quantify the risks of deep space radiation to these cells and explore potential countermeasures to negate any cellular and molecular damage. One possibility includes preflight harvest and storage of astronaut stem cells as a safe, effective and relatively inexpensive mechanism for countering long-term damage to cells of the blood-forming systems.

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]]> Countermeasures for Space Radiation-Induced Myeloid Leukemia http://nsbri.org/researches/countermeasures-for-space-radiation-induced-myeloid-leukemia/ Tue, 15 Dec 2015 16:55:25 +0000 http://nsbri.org/researches/countermeasures-for-space-radiation-induced-myeloid-leukemia/ Exposure to the types of radiation that exist in space is potentially cancer-causing. Previous studies have demonstrated that certain dietary supplements can be effective in preventing radiation-induced stress and protecting cultured human cells against adverse biological effects induced by the types of radiation known to exist during space travel. In this animal study, Dr. Ann […]

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]]> Exposure to the types of radiation that exist in space is potentially cancer-causing. Previous studies have demonstrated that certain dietary supplements can be effective in preventing radiation-induced stress and protecting cultured human cells against adverse biological effects induced by the types of radiation known to exist during space travel. In this animal study, Dr. Ann R. Kennedy is researching the efficacy of a combination of these nutritional supplements as a countermeasure against space radiation-induced acute myeloid leukemia in order to provide critical information about the ability of nutritional supplements to increase resistance to space radiation-induced malignancy.

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]]> Center of Acute Radiation Research http://nsbri.org/researches/center-of-acute-radiation-research/ Tue, 15 Dec 2015 16:55:26 +0000 http://nsbri.org/researches/center-of-acute-radiation-research/ When astronauts travel outside low-Earth orbit, they will be at risk of exposure to bursts of radiation called solar particle events (SPEs). The health problems, called acute radiation sickness (ARS), caused by the SPEs can occur immediately. Symptoms of ARS include nausea, vomiting and fatigue, followed by potential skin injury and changes to white blood […]

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]]> When astronauts travel outside low-Earth orbit, they will be at risk of exposure to bursts of radiation called solar particle events (SPEs). The health problems, called acute radiation sickness (ARS), caused by the SPEs can occur immediately. Symptoms of ARS include nausea, vomiting and fatigue, followed by potential skin injury and changes to white blood cell counts and the immune system.

The Center of Acute Radiation Research (CARR) Director Dr. Ann Kennedy is leading a group of researchers working on five projects to assess the immediate effects of radiation exposure from SPEs, better define the risks, and develop and test methods to protect astronauts. The researchers will use animal models to conduct the studies.

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]]> Class III Histone Deacetylases as a Defense Against Radiation-Induced DNA Damage (First Award Fellowship) http://nsbri.org/researches/class-iii-histone-deacetylases-as-a-defense-against-radiation-induced-dna-damage-postdoctoral-fellowship/ Tue, 15 Dec 2015 16:55:26 +0000 http://nsbri.org/researches/class-iii-histone-deacetylases-as-a-defense-against-radiation-induced-dna-damage-postdoctoral-fellowship/ Space radiation is hazardous to long-duration space crews because it may cause cancer and damage DNA, blood cells and platelets. In recent studies, a group of enzymes called sirtuins have been identified and shown to regulate cell defenses against DNA damage and biological stress. Sirtuins and their pharmacological activators have also shown the potential to […]

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]]> Space radiation is hazardous to long-duration space crews because it may cause cancer and damage DNA, blood cells and platelets. In recent studies, a group of enzymes called sirtuins have been identified and shown to regulate cell defenses against DNA damage and biological stress. Sirtuins and their pharmacological activators have also shown the potential to make cells more resistant to radiation and to aid in repair of DNA damage. In this study, NSBRI Postdoctoral Fellow Dr. Philipp Oberdoerffer is testing whether sirtuins can help increase the survival of critical cells (such as stem cells and white blood cells) in response to radiation damage, and whether they play a role in the prevention of radiation-induced cancers.

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]]> Apoptosis and Immune Homeostasis During Hindlimb Unloading http://nsbri.org/researches/apoptosis-and-immune-homeostasis-during-hindlimb-unloading/ Tue, 15 Dec 2015 16:56:23 +0000 http://nsbri.org/researches/apoptosis-and-immune-homeostasis-during-hindlimb-unloading/ A properly functioning immune system is essential to crew health and the success of long-term missions. Evidence indicates that astronauts have significantly increased rates of infection after flight. Through an animal study, Dr. Yufang Shi is simulating spaceflight conditions to study the effect on the immune system. He has found that infection-fighting white blood cells […]

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]]> A properly functioning immune system is essential to crew health and the success of long-term missions. Evidence indicates that astronauts have significantly increased rates of infection after flight. Through an animal study, Dr. Yufang Shi is simulating spaceflight conditions to study the effect on the immune system. He has found that infection-fighting white blood cells inappropriately die-off leading to immunosuppression. The overall goals of this study are to determine the mechanisms underlying immune system changes that occur in space and to aid in the development of countermeasures to overcome the problem.

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]]> Bed Rest and Immunity http://nsbri.org/researches/bed-rest-and-immunity/ Tue, 15 Dec 2015 16:55:26 +0000 http://nsbri.org/researches/bed-rest-and-immunity/ Spaceflight alters the body’s immune system. Bed-rest studies with head-down tilt show a pattern similar to the results observed when humans are exposed to space. Previous bed-rest studies have shown changes in the immune system, yet all studies to date have been carried out on men. Dr. Gerald Sonnenfeld is conducting a bed-rest study of […]

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]]> Spaceflight alters the body’s immune system. Bed-rest studies with head-down tilt show a pattern similar to the results observed when humans are exposed to space. Previous bed-rest studies have shown changes in the immune system, yet all studies to date have been carried out on men. Dr. Gerald Sonnenfeld is conducting a bed-rest study of women to determine if participants experience suppression of immune responses and an enhanced susceptibility to infection. Additionally, Studies will be carried out to determine if countermeasures (exercise and diet supplementation) designed to deal with the negative effects of spaceflight on muscle have a positive or negative effect on the function of the immune system.

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