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At least 649 records · Page 36

Altered Immune Differentials Between Male and Female Mice Independent of Ionizing Irradiation

As upcoming exploratory missions to the Lunar surface and Mars during the Artemis Program will send both female and male crewmembers, studies identifying sex-specific effects are necessary. It is well-documented that the immune system engages different responses between females and males following exposures to infectious challenge, tumors surveillance, and autoimmune development. Yet, the immune effects of spaceflight-like exposures between the sexes are limited. Therefore, this study sought to address the effects of spaceflight-like conditions on immune differentials in female and male mice. We hypothesized that the spaceflight factor, ionizing radiation, will have sex-specific effects on immune differentials. To test this, singly-housed, 12-month old female and male wildtype (Wt) mice were exposed to acute ionizing gamma irradiation (50 cGy), followed by retro-orbital blood collections at 7-days post-irradiation. Leukocytes were analyzed by flow cytometry characterizing, granulocytes, monocytes, lymphocytes (cytotoxic/helper T cells and B cells), neutrophils, eosinophils, and NK/NKT cells. Briefly, minimal sex-specific effects were observed across the cell types listed at this time point, including changes in granulocyte and lymphocyte populations. The results revealed females displayed elevated granulocytes and reduced lymphocytes compared to their male counterparts, independent of irradiation exposure. These results suggest female mice may be more capable to produce innate inflammatory mediators but may be adaptively immune compromised. In brief, this study provides insight into the sex-specific immune risks following ionizing radiation that may be experienced during spaceflight, which is relevant for future countermeasure development.

spaceflight stressors↗

Altered Immune Differentials Between Male and Female Mice Independent of Ionizing Irradiation

As upcoming exploratory missions to the Lunar surface and Mars during the Artemis Program will send both female and male crewmembers, studies identifying sex-specific effects are necessary. It is well-documented that the immune system engages different responses between females and males following exposures to infectious challenge, tumors surveillance, and autoimmune development. Yet, the immune effects of spaceflight-like exposures between the sexes are limited. Therefore, this study sought to address the effects of spaceflight-like conditions on immune differentials in female and male mice. We hypothesized that the spaceflight factor, ionizing radiation, will have sex-specific effects on immune differentials. To test this, singly-housed, 12-month old female and male wildtype (Wt) mice were exposed to acute ionizing gamma irradiation (50 cGy), followed by retro-orbital blood collections at 7-days post-irradiation. Leukocytes were analyzed by flow cytometry characterizing, granulocytes, monocytes, lymphocytes (cytotoxic/helper T cells and B cells), neutrophils, eosinophils, and NK/NKT cells. Briefly, minimal sex-specific effects were observed across the cell types listed at this time point, including changes in granulocyte and lymphocyte populations. The results revealed females displayed elevated granulocytes and reduced lymphocytes compared to their male counterparts, independent of irradiation exposure. These results suggest female mice may be more capable to produce innate inflammatory mediators but may be adaptively immune compromised. In brief, this study provides insight into the sex-specific immune risks following ionizing radiation that may be experienced during spaceflight, which is relevant for future countermeasure development.

spaceflight stressors↗

Nucleic acid binding by SAMHD1 contributes to the antiretroviral activity and is enhanced by the GpsN modification

SAMHD1 impedes infection of myeloid cells and resting T lymphocytes by retroviruses, and the enzymatic activity of the protein—dephosphorylation of deoxynucleotide triphosphates (dNTPs)—implicates enzymatic dNTP depletion in innate antiviral immunity. Here we show that the allosteric binding sites of the enzyme are plastic and can accommodate oligonucleotides in place of the allosteric activators, GTP and dNTP. SAMHD1 displays a preference for oligonucleotides containing phosphorothioate bonds in the Rp configuration located 3’ to G nucleotides (GpsN), the modification pattern that occurs in a mechanism of antiviral defense in prokaryotes. In the presence of GTP and dNTPs, binding of GpsN-containing oligonucleotides promotes formation of a distinct tetramer with mixed occupancy of the allosteric sites. Mutations that impair formation of the mixed-occupancy complex abolish the antiretroviral activity of SAMHD1, but not its ability to deplete dNTPs. The findings link nucleic acid binding to the antiretroviral activity of SAMHD1, shed light on the immunomodulatory effects of synthetic phosphorothioated oligonucleotides and raise questions about the role of nucleic acid phosphorothioation in human innate immunity.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Growing B Lymphocytes in a Three-Dimensional Culture System

A three-dimensional (3D) culture system for growing long-lived B lymphocytes has been invented. The capabilities afforded by the system can be expected to expand the range of options for immunological research and related activities, including testing of immunogenicity of vaccine candidates in vitro, generation of human monoclonal antibodies, and immunotherapy. Mature lymphocytes, which are the effectors of adaptive immune responses in vertebrates, are extremely susceptible to apoptotic death, and depend on continuous reception of survival-inducing stimulation (in the forms of cytokines, cell-to-cell contacts, and antigen receptor signaling) from the microenvironment. For this reason, efforts to develop systems for long-term culture of functional, non-transformed and non-activated mature lymphocytes have been unsuccessful until now. The bone-marrow microenvironment supports the growth and differentiation of many hematopoietic lineages, in addition to B-lymphocytes. Primary bone-marrow cell cultures designed to promote the development of specific cell types in vitro are highly desirable experimental systems, amenable to manipulation under controlled conditions. However, the dynamic and complex network of stromal cells and insoluble matrix proteins is disrupted in prior plate- and flask-based culture systems, wherein the microenvironments have a predominantly two-dimensional (2D) character. In 2D bone-marrow cultures, normal B-lymphoid cells become progressively skewed toward precursor B-cell populations that do not retain a normal immunophenotype, and such mature B-lymphocytes as those harvested from the spleen or lymph nodes do not survive beyond several days ex vivo in the absence of mitogenic stimulation. The present 3D culture system is a bioreactor that contains highly porous artificial scaffolding that supports the long-term culture of bone marrow, spleen, and lymph-node samples. In this system, unlike in 2D culture systems, B-cell subpopulations developing within 3D cultures that have been modified to foster lymphopoiesis retain an immunophenotype that closely recapitulates cells in fresh bone marrow harvests. The 3D culture system has been found to be capable of supporting long-lived (8 weeks) populations of B and T lymphocytes from peripheral lymphoid organs, in the absence of activation signals, to an extent not achievable by conventional culture techniques. Interestingly, it has been found that 3D-culture B cells display a phenotype that has characteristics of both B1a and B2 cells. These promising preliminary observations suggest that the 3D culture system could be used with success in the study of peripheral-B-lymphocyte biology and in the development of biotechnological techniques and processes.

Wu, J. H. David↗

Phase IB study of ziv-aflibercept plus pembrolizumab in patients with advanced solid tumors

Background The combination of antiangiogenic agents with immune checkpoint inhibitors could potentially overcome immune suppression driven by tumor angiogenesis. We report results from a phase IB study of ziv-aflibercept plus pembrolizumab in patients with advanced solid tumors. Methods This is a multicenter phase IB dose-escalation study of the combination of ziv-aflibercept (at 2–4 mg/kg) plus pembrolizumab (at 2 mg/kg) administered intravenously every 2 weeks with expansion cohorts in programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1)/programmed death-ligand 1(PD-L1)-naïve melanoma, renal cell carcinoma (RCC), microsatellite stable colorectal cancer (CRC), and ovarian cancer. The primary objective was to determine maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended dose of the combination. Secondary endpoints included overall response rate (ORR) and overall survival (OS). Exploratory objectives included correlation of clinical efficacy with tumor and peripheral immune population densities. Results Overall, 33 patients were enrolled during dose escalation (n=3) and dose expansion (n=30). No dose-limiting toxicities were reported in the initial dose level. Ziv-aflibercept 4 mg/kg plus pembrolizumab 2 mg/kg every 2 weeks was established as the MTD. Grade ≥3 adverse events occurred in 19/33 patients (58%), the most common being hypertension (36%) and proteinuria (18%). ORR in the dose-expansion cohort was 16.7% (5/30, 90% CI 7% to 32%). Complete responses occurred in melanoma (n=2); partial responses occurred in RCC (n=1), mesothelioma (n=1), and melanoma (n=1). Median OS was as follows: melanoma, not reached (NR); RCC, 15.7 months (90% CI 2.5 to 15.7); CRC, 3.3 months (90% CI 0.6 to 3.4); ovarian, 12.5 months (90% CI 3.8 to 13.6); other solid tumors, NR. Activated tumor-infiltrating CD8 T cells at baseline (CD8+PD1+), high CD40L expression, and increased peripheral memory CD8 T cells correlated with clinical response. Conclusion The combination of ziv-aflibercept and pembrolizumab demonstrated an acceptable safety profile with antitumor activity in solid tumors. The combination is currently being studied in sarcoma and anti-PD-1-resistant melanoma. Trial registration number NCT02298959 .

Rahma, Osama E.↗

Deoptimization of FMDV P1 Region Results in Robust Serotype-Independent Viral Attenuation

Foot-and-mouth disease (FMD), caused by the FMD virus (FMDV), is a highly contagious disease of cloven-hoofed livestock that can have severe economic impacts. Control and prevention strategies, including the development of improved vaccines, are urgently needed to effectively control FMD outbreaks in endemic settings. Previously, we employed two distinct strategies (codon pair bias deoptimization (CPD) and codon bias deoptimization (CD)) to deoptimize various regions of the FMDV serotype A subtype A12 genome, which resulted in the development of an attenuated virus in vitro and in vivo, inducing varying levels of humoral responses. In the current study, we examined the versatility of the system by using CPD applied to the P1 capsid coding region of FMDV serotype A subtype, A24, and another serotype, Asia1. Viruses carrying recoded P1 (A24-P1Deopt or Asia1-P1Deopt) exhibited different degrees of attenuation (i.e., delayed viral growth kinetics and replication) in cultured cells. Studies in vivo using a mouse model of FMD demonstrated that inoculation with the A24-P1Deopt and Asia1-P1Deopt strains elicited a strong humoral immune response capable of offering protection against challenge with homologous wildtype (WT) viruses. However, different results were obtained in pigs. While clear attenuation was detected for both the A24-P1Deopt and Asia1-P1Deopt strains, only a limited induction of adaptive immunity and protection against challenge was detected, depending on the inoculated dose and serotype deoptimized. Our work demonstrates that while CPD of the P1 coding region attenuates viral strains of multiple FMDV serotypes/subtypes, a thorough assessment of virulence and induction of adaptive immunity in the natural host is required in each case in order to finely adjust the degree of deoptimization required for attenuation without affecting the induction of protective adaptive immune responses.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Conference on Correlations of Aging and Space Effects on Biosystems, Oct. 30-Nov. 1, 1989, Proceedings

This volume includes papers on correlations between aging effects and space effects on biosystems, with particular attention given to the effects on the cardiovascular system, bone, sleep, cellular systems, immunological system, and genetics. Papers are presented on NASA and NIA plans and opportunities, the age effect on the posture and circulation, the cardiovascular physiology in space flight, and age-related bone changes. Attention is given to research on sleep, circulation rhythms, and aging and its applications to manned spaceflight; sleep and circadian rhythms; altered cell function in microgravity; and the heterogeneity of changes in lymphoproliferative ability with increasing age. Also included is a review of cellular immunosenescence, a paper on the immune response during space flight, and a paper on Caenorhabditis elegans as a model system for space biology studies.

Sprott, Richard L.↗

Omics Research on the International Space Station

The International Space Station (ISS) is an orbiting laboratory whose goals include advancing science and technology research. Completion of ISS assembly ushered a new era focused on utilization, encompassing multiple disciplines such as Biology and Biotechnology, Physical Sciences, Technology Development and Demonstration, Human Research, Earth and Space Sciences, and Educational Activities. The research complement planned for upcoming ISS Expeditions 45&46 includes several investigations in the new field of omics, which aims to collectively characterize sets of biomolecules (e.g., genomic, epigenomic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolomic products) that translate into organismic structure and function. For example, Multi‐Omics is a JAXA investigation that analyzes human microbial metabolic cross‐talk in the space ecosystem by evaluating data from immune dysregulation biomarkers, metabolic profiles, and microbiota composition. The NASA OsteoOmics investigation studies gravitational regulation of osteoblast genomics and metabolism. Tissue Regeneration uses pan‐omics approaches with cells cultured in bioreactors to characterize factors involved in mammalian bone tissue regeneration in microgravity. Rodent Research‐3 includes an experiment that implements pan‐omics to evaluate therapeutically significant molecular circuits, markers, and biomaterials associated with microgravity wound healing and tissue regeneration in bone defective rodents. The JAXA Mouse Epigenetics investigation examines molecular alterations in organ specific gene expression patterns and epigenetic modifications, and analyzes murine germ cell development during long term spaceflight. Lastly, Twins Study ("Differential effects of homozygous twin astronauts associated with differences in exposure to spaceflight factors"), NASA's first foray into human omics research, applies integrated analyses to assess biomolecular responses to physical, physiological, and environmental stressors associated with spaceflight.

Love, John↗

Deducing the N- and O-glycosylation profile of the spike protein of novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2

The current emergence of the novel coronavirus pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) demands the development of new therapeutic strategies to prevent rapid progress of mortalities. The coronavirus spike (S) protein, which facilitates viral attachment, entry and membrane fusion is heavily glycosylated and plays a critical role in the elicitation of the host immune response. The spike protein is comprised of two protein subunits (S1 and S2), which together possess 22 potential N-glycosylation sites. Herein, we report the glycosylation mapping on spike protein subunits S1 and S2 expressed on human cells through high-resolution mass spectrometry. We have characterized the quantitative N-glycosylation profile on spike protein and interestingly, observed unexpected O-glycosylation modifications on the receptor-binding domain of spike protein subunit S1. Even though O-glycosylation has been predicted on the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2, this is the first report of experimental data for both the site of O-glycosylation and identity of the O-glycans attached on the subunit S1. Our data on the N- and O-glycosylation are strengthened by extensive manual interpretation of each glycopeptide spectra in addition to using bioinformatics tools to confirm the complexity of glycosylation in the spike protein. Here, the elucidation of the glycan repertoire on the spike protein provides insights into the viral binding studies and more importantly, propels research toward the development of a suitable vaccine candidate.

59 BASIC BIOLOGICAL SCIENCES↗

Effects of Space Missions on the Human Immune System: A Meta-Analysis

Future spaceflight will require travelers to spend ever-increasing periods of time in microgravity. Optimal functioning of the immune system is of paramount importance for the health and performance of these travelers. A meta-analysis statistical procedure was used to analyze immune system data from crew members in United States and Soviet space missions from 8.5 to 140 days duration between 1968 and 1985. Ten immunological parameters (immunoglobulins A, G, M, D, white blood cell (WBC) count, number of lymphocytes, percent total lymphocytes, percent B lymphocytes, percent T lymphocytes, and lymphocyte reactivity to mitogen) were investigated using multifactorial, repeated measure analysis of variance. With the preflight level set at 100, WBC count increased to 154 +/- 14% (mean +/- SE; p less than or equal to 0.05) immediately after flight; there was a decrease in lymphocyte count (83 +/- 4%; p less than or equal to 0.05) and percent of total lymphocytes (69 +/- 1%; p less than or equal to 0.05) immediately after flight, with reduction in RNA synthesis to phytohemagglutinin (PHA) to 51 +/- 21% (p less than or equal to 0.05) and DNA synthesis to PHA to 61 +/- 8% (p less than or equal to 0.05) at the first postflight measurement. Thus, some cellular immunological functions are decreased significantly following spaceflight. More data are needed on astronauts' age, aerobic power output, and parameters of their exercise training program to determine if these immune system responses are due solely to microgravity exposure or perhaps to some other aspect of spaceflight.

Greenleaf, J. E.↗

Mycorrhizal effector PaMiSSP10b alters polyamine biosynthesis in Eucalyptus root cells and promotes root colonization

Summary Pathogenic microbes are known to manipulate the defences of their hosts through the production of secreted effector proteins. More recently, mutualistic mycorrhizal fungi have also been described as using these secreted effectors to promote host colonization. Here we characterize a mycorrhiza‐induced small secreted effector protein of 10 kDa produced by the ectomycorrhizal fungus Pisolithus albus , PaMiSSP10b. We demonstrate that PaMiSSP10b is secreted from fungal hyphae, enters the cells of its host, Eucalyptus grandis, and interacts with an S‐adenosyl methionine decarboxylase (AdoMetDC) in the polyamine pathway. Plant polyamines are regulatory molecules integral to the plant immune system during microbial challenge. Using biochemical and transgenic approaches we show that expression of PaMiSSP10b influences levels of polyamines in the plant roots as it enhances the enzymatic activity of AdoMetDC and increases the biosynthesis of higher polyamines. This ultimately favours the colonization success of P. albus . These results identify a new mechanism by which mutualistic microbes are able to manipulate the host´s enzymatic pathways to favour colonization.

Plett, Jonathan M.↗

Effects of hypergravity on immunologic function

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of hypergravity exposure (2g) with those of exposure to space flight in the Cosmos 2044 flight. To do so, rats were centrifuged continuously for 14 days. Two different experiments were carried out on tissue obtained from the centrifuged rats. In the first experiment, rat bone marrow cells were examined for their response to recombinant murine colony stimulating factor-granulocyte/monocyte (GM-CSF). In the second experiment, rat spleen and bone marrow cells were stained in with a variety of antibodies directed against cell surface antigenic markers. These cells were preserved and analyzed on a flow cytometer. The results of the studies indicated that bone marrow cells from centrifuged rats showed no significant change in response to GM-CSF as compared to bone marrow cells from control rats. Spleen cells from flown rats showed some statistically significant changes in leukocytes subset distribution, but no differences that appeared to be of biological significance. These results indicate that hypergravity did not greatly affect the same immunological parameters affected by space flight in the Cosmos 2044 mission.

NASA Program Flight↗

Gene and MicroRNA Expression Profile Changes in ISS Crewmembers’ Blood Samples

In space, living organisms are exposed to multiple stress factors including microgravity and space radiation. For humans, these harmful environmental factors have been known to cause negative health impacts such as immune dysfunction. Understanding the mechanisms by which spaceflight impacts human health at the molecular level is critical not only for accurately assessing the risks associated with spaceflight, but also for developing effective countermeasures. This study is part of the Functional Immune Project, intended to determine alterations in crewmember immunobiology before, during, and after spaceflight. It emphasizes the study of DNA damage in the ISS crewmembers’ peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), expression patterns of damage-response and inflammatory process genes, and changes in latent virus reactivation biomarkers.

Moreno-Villanueva, Maria↗

A mouse pancreatic organoid model to compare PD-L1 blocking antibodies

Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) have changed the therapeutic landscape for cancer patients, but diabetes, a rare, severe immune-related endocrinopathy, is linked to ICI therapy. It is unclear whether glycosylation of ICIs may play a role in the development of this adverse event and how the physiological effects of different ICIs on pancreatic cells should be evaluated. We used a mouse pancreatic organoid model to compare three PD-L1 blocking antibodies in the presence or absence of IFNγ using a metabolic bioanalyzer. Modulation of ICI glycosylation altered its metabolic effects on mouse pancreatic organoids, suggesting that this model could be used to monitor and compare ICIs and to study the mechanisms underlying the development of IC-mediated diabetes.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Limited cross-variant immunity from SARS-CoV-2 Omicron without vaccination

SARS-CoV-2 Delta and Omicron are globally relevant variants of concern. Although individuals infected with Delta are at risk of developing severe lung disease, infection with Omicron often causes milder symptoms, especially in vaccinated individuals. The question arises of whether widespread Omicron infections could lead to future cross-variant protection, accelerating the end of the pandemic. Here we show that without vaccination, infection with Omicron induces a limited humoral immune response in mice and humans. Sera from mice overexpressing the human ACE2 receptor and infected with Omicron neutralize only Omicron, but not other variants of concern, whereas broader cross-variant neutralization was observed after WA1 and Delta infections. Unlike WA1 and Delta, Omicron replicates to low levels in the lungs and brains of infected animals, leading to mild disease with reduced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and diminished activation of lung-resident T cells. Sera from individuals who were unvaccinated and infected with Omicron show the same limited neutralization of only Omicron itself. By contrast, Omicron breakthrough infections induce overall higher neutralization titres against all variants of concern. Our results demonstrate that Omicron infection enhances pre-existing immunity elicited by vaccines but, on its own, may not confer broad protection against non-Omicron variants in unvaccinated individuals.

60 APPLIED LIFE SCIENCES↗

Hazards of Lunar Surface Exploration: Determining the Immunogenicity/Allergenicity of Lunar Dust

There are multiple Apollo program reports of lunar dust (LD) exposure leading to significant upper respiratory symptoms in select crewmembers. Possible mechanisms include particulate irritation, oxidization and release of noxious gas, or legitimate adaptive immune-mediated response. Although sterile non-protein matter would not be expected to be an allergen, one Apollo flight surgeon reported increasing symptoms upon repeated exposure, with associated eosinophilia indicative of allergy (*Acta Astronautica. 2008 63 (7–10): 980–987). Many ISS crews display a pattern of persistent immune system dysregulation and latent virus reactivation (NPJ Microgravity. 2015 Sep 3; 1:15013; NPJ Microgravity. 2017 Apr 12; 3:11). Some ISS crews manifest atypical respiratory and/or dermatitis symptoms which could have an allergic pathogenesis (J Allergy Clin. Immunol. Pract. 2016 Jul-Aug; 4(4):759-762.e8). It is logical to anticipate crew immune dysregulation would worsen during prolonged deep space missions. Planetary surface hazards will only complicate crew health risks. This study hypothesizes that LD exposure can alter susceptible individuals’ immune responses such that repeated exposure will elicit an IgE mediated allergic response either to the LD itself or concomitant antigen exposure during spaceflight. This will adversely increase clinical and operational impacts for long-duration lunar astronauts and affect countermeasure requirements for surface vehicles. Specific aims for this study are (1) Does in vitro LD exposure result in increased histamine from human peripheral blood basophils? (2) Can LD impact the capacity of CD4+ helper and/or CD19+ B-cell mediated IgE production? To address these questions, a set of in-vitro cell culture experiments will be employed (short and long term) using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) and basophils from both atopic and non-atopic individuals, as well as established human basophil and mast cell lines. Cells will be co-cultured with cellular mitogens, common recall antigens (tetanus, Der p1), nickel (as a possible allergenic component of LD), with or without graded amounts of LD, to study whether LD exposure for varying time intervals will alter the generation of selective immune responses associated with clinical allergic reactions. Measured outputs include supernatant-derived IgE, tryptase, histamine and selected cytokine levels. Cellular activation will be monitored by assessing activation markers via flow cytometry. EM/x-ray analysis will be used to determine cellular interactions with dust particles. The minimal amount of LD (Apollo 14 dust) and controls/simulants have been requested. This study, originally planned as an FY20/21 activity, was delayed due to the COVID pandemic. It is now scheduled to be performed during FY22.

Brian Crucian↗

Spaceflight and immune responses of rhesus monkeys

The effects of restraint on immunological parameters was determined in an 18 day ARRT (adult rhesus restraint test). The monkeys were restrained for 18 days in the experimental station for the orbiting primate (ESOP), the chair of choice for Space Shuttle experiments. Several immunological parameters were determined using peripheral blood, bone marrow, and lymph node specimens from the monkeys. The parameters included: response of bone marrow cells to GM-CSF (granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor), leukocyte subset distribution, and production of IFN-a (interferon-alpha) and IFN-gamma (interferon-gamma). The only parameter changed after 18 days of restraint was the percentage of CD8+ T cells. No other immunological parameters showed changes due to restraint. Handling and changes in housing prior to the restraint period did apparently result in some restraint-independent immunological changes. Handling must be kept to a minimum and the animals allowed time to recover prior to flight. All experiments must be carefully controlled. Restraint does not appear to be a major issue regarding the effects of space flight on immune responses.

Sonnenfeld, Gerald↗

Movement Limitation and Immune Responses of Rhesus Monkeys

The effects of restraint on immunological parameters was determined in an 18 day ARRT (adult rhesus restraint test). The monkeys were restrained for 18 days in the experimental station for the orbiting primate (ESOP), the chair of choice for Space Shuttle experiments. Several immunological parameters were determined using peripheral blood, bone marrow, and lymph node specimens from the monkeys. The parameters included: response of bone marrow cells to GM-CSF (granulocyte-macrophage colony stimulating factor), leukocyte subset distribution, and production of IFN-alpha (interferon-alpha) and IFN-gamma (interferon-gamma). The only parameter changed after 18 days of restraint was the percentage of CDB+ T cells. No other immunological parameters showed changes due to restraint. Handling and changes in housing prior to the restraint period did apparently result in some restraint-independent immunological changes. Handling must be kept to a minimum and the animals allowed time to recover prior to flight. All experiments must be carefully controlled. Restraint does not appear to be a major issue regarding the effects of space flight on immune responses.

Sonnenfeld, Gerald↗