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ORIGINAL RESEARCH article

Front. Immunol.
Sec. T Cell Biology
Volume 15 - 2024 | doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1443936

Effects Of Simulated Space Conditions On CD4+ T Cells: A Multi Modal Analysis

Provisionally accepted
Silvana Miranda Silvana Miranda 1,2Randy Vermeesen Randy Vermeesen 1Ann Janssen Ann Janssen 1Emil Rehnberg Emil Rehnberg 1,2Emre Etlioglu Emre Etlioglu 1Sarah Baatout Sarah Baatout 1,2Kevin Tabury Kevin Tabury 1Bjorn Baselet Bjorn Baselet 1*
  • 1 Laboratory for Radiobiology, Belgian Nuclear Research Center (SCK•CEN), Mol, Belgium
  • 2 Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium

The final, formatted version of the article will be published soon.

    The immune system is an intricate network of cellular components that safeguards against pathogens and aberrant cells, with CD4+ T cells playing a central role in this process. Human space travel presents unique health challenges, such as heavy ion ionizing radiation, microgravity, and psychological stress, which can collectively impede immune function. The aim of this research was to examine the consequences of simulated space stressors on CD4+ T cell activation, cytokine production, and gene expression.Methods: CD4+ T cells were obtained from healthy individuals and subjected to Fe ion particle radiation, Photon irradiation, simulated microgravity, and hydrocortisone, either individually or in different combinations. Cytokine levels for Th1 and Th2 cells were determined using multiplex Luminex assays, and RNA sequencing was used to investigate gene expression patterns and identify essential genes and pathways impacted by these stressors.Results: Simulated microgravity exposure resulted in an apparent Th1 to Th2 shift, evidenced on the level of cytokine secretion as well as altered gene expression. RNA sequencing analysis showed that several gene pathways were altered, particularly in response to Fe ions irradiation and simulated microgravity exposures. Individually, each space stressor caused differential gene expression, while the combination of stressors revealed complex interactions.Discussion: The research findings underscore the substantial influence of the space exposome on immune function, particularly in the regulation of T cell responses. Future work should focus expanding the limited knowledge in this field. Comprehending these modifications will be essential for devising effective strategies to safeguard the health of astronauts during extended space missions.

    Keywords: Immune System, simulated microgravity, Ionizing radiation, Iron ions, Space Environment, cortisol, CD4 + T cells

    Received: 04 Jun 2024; Accepted: 08 Aug 2024.

    Copyright: © 2024 Miranda, Vermeesen, Janssen, Rehnberg, Etlioglu, Baatout, Tabury and Baselet. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) or licensor are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.

    * Correspondence: Bjorn Baselet, Laboratory for Radiobiology, Belgian Nuclear Research Center (SCK•CEN), Mol, Belgium

    Disclaimer: All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article or claim that may be made by its manufacturer is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.