Scientists from the Karolinska Institute in Sweden have discovered that microgravity at zero gravity can suppress the immune system of astronauts. To work published In the scientific journal Science Advance.
The scientists simulated the effect of weightlessness on the body using a special waterbed that simulates the absence of gravity. The scientific team monitored the immune system T cells of eight healthy subjects. Analyzes were performed seven, 14, and 21 days after the start of the experiment and one week after the completion of the trial.
The researchers found that disease-fighting T cells, or lymphocytes, became less active after just seven days in simulated weightlessness. The maximum decrease in activity occurred after two weeks.
According to study author Carlos Gallardo Dodd, the absence of the gravitational effect seems to have erased lymphocytes’ genetic memory of viruses and other pathogens they must fight. Such cells responded in a delayed manner to the appearance of infectious agents.
After 21 days, the T cells adapted to weightlessness and regained their function. However, analysis performed seven days after the end of the tests found traces of changes in lymphocytes.
Scientists warned that weakening the functions of white blood cells in space can lead to immune deficiency and activation of latent viruses in the body.
ancient scientists to solvethat suppression of the immune system in weightlessness increases the risk of herpes zoster in astronauts.