Page 147 - Helicobacter pylori and Gastric Cancer: From Tumor microenvironment to Immunotherapy

developed in the consistent nearness of the earth’ gravitational field. Thus it is not inconceivable that acute absence of this external force, as occurs during space flight, would influence functionality in this system. Diminished activity of the immune system is a well-documented effect of microgravity on the human body, for which precise mechanisms have yet to be determined. Importantly, although this diminished activity of the immune system is likely to become a problem concerning the extended missions presently being premeditated and planned (particularly an operated mission to Mars may yield specific challenges in this respect), space-related immunosuppression is well- endured. Over forty years of knowledge with manned space flight have now overwhelmingly established that man can effortlessly stay alive and work in circumstances that are weightless, notwithstanding the continued repression of the body’s immune functions. This suggests that simulating immunosuppression by space- related circumstances on earth may be a reasonably straightforward approach to immune system suppression as would be beneficial in patients suffering from excessive immune activation, as is the case with an autoimmune disease. Some studies also confirmed that space-related immunosuppression even exists in simulated models of microgravity (sμg)[9] demonstrating immunosuppression in splenocytes. This illustrates the usefulness of sμg models in novel illuminating mechanisms that control T-cell function and in enhancing spaceflight research in general. Eventually, creating awareness into monitoring lymphocyte pathways gained from sμg and spaceflight research will profit not only future astronauts but also those on earth who suffer from immune maladies[10].
This promise of microgravity has driven us in the past years to heavily invest in developing experimentation suited for space research, employing immune cells isolated from human volunteer peripheral blood, and three times the team has delivered experiments to a space-going vehicle. The current review is directed in maximizing the scientific returns of this unique situation by providing the necessary scientific infrastructure about performing experiments and analyzing (employing advanced single-cell technology to extract as much information as possible) the wealth of data expected, delivering a relatively detailed picture of microgravity effects on signal transduction in human immunity.
Health from above?
Health from above?
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