Effects of microgravity on immune cells

The immune system has an essential role in protecting humans and animals from infection. Microgravity, an important characteristic in space that differs from that found on earth, is directly involved in the immune dysfunction found in astronauts. Microgravity has an extensive impact on immune cells, including affecting cellular development, cell survival, the cytoskeleton, and intracellular signal transduction pathways. However, there are observable differences in how various immune cell types respond to microgravity. The function of natural killer cells is unaffected under microgravity conditions, while those of T cells and macrophages are much more susceptible to microgravity. Therefore, it is likely that the attenuated functioning of T cells and macrophages is responsible for the immune dysfunction found in astronauts in space. However, our current understanding of the immunosuppressive effects of microgravity is still limited. Furthermore, most of the current research has focused on only detecting the effects of microgravity and not the mechanisms underlying these effects. Therefore, future research needs to investigate these molecular mechanisms, which will then make it possible to identify potential therapeutic targets to prevent microgravity-induced immunosuppression. This research will be instrumental in preventing infection in astronauts during future missions in space.