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Fava M, De Dominicis N, Forte G, Bari M, Leuti A, Maccarrone M. Cellular and Molecular Effects of Microgravity on the Immune System: A Focus on Bioactive Lipids. Biomolecules 2024; 14:446. [PMID: 38672462 PMCID: PMC11048039 DOI: 10.3390/biom14040446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Microgravity is one of the main stressors that astronauts are exposed to during space missions. This condition has been linked to many disorders, including those that feature dysfunctional immune homeostasis and inflammatory damage. Over the past 30 years, a significant body of work has been gathered connecting weightlessness-either authentic or simulated-to an inefficient reaction to pathogens, dysfunctional production of cytokines and impaired survival of immune cells. These processes are also orchestrated by a plethora of bioactive lipids, produced by virtually all cells involved in immune events, which control the induction, magnitude, outcome, compartmentalization and trafficking of immunocytes during the response to injury. Despite their crucial importance in inflammation and its modulation, however, data concerning the role of bioactive lipids in microgravity-induced immune dysfunctions are surprisingly scarce, both in quantity and in variety, and the vast majority of it focuses on two lipid classes, namely eicosanoids and endocannabinoids. The present review aims to outline the accumulated knowledge addressing the effects elicited by microgravity-both simulated and authentic-on the metabolism and signaling of these two prominent lipid groups in the context of immune and inflammatory homeostasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Fava
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy; (M.F.); (G.F.)
- European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Noemi De Dominicis
- Department of Physics, University of Trento, 38123 Trento, Italy;
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Giulia Forte
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy; (M.F.); (G.F.)
| | - Monica Bari
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy; (M.F.); (G.F.)
| | - Alessandro Leuti
- Department of Medicine, Campus Bio-Medico University of Rome, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128 Rome, Italy; (M.F.); (G.F.)
- European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy
| | - Mauro Maccarrone
- European Center for Brain Research/IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Via del Fosso di Fiorano 64, 00143 Rome, Italy
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
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Miranda S, Vermeesen R, Radstake WE, Parisi A, Ivanova A, Baatout S, Tabury K, Baselet B. Lost in Space? Unmasking the T Cell Reaction to Simulated Space Stressors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16943. [PMID: 38069265 PMCID: PMC10707245 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The space environment will expose astronauts to stressors like ionizing radiation, altered gravity fields and elevated cortisol levels, which pose a health risk. Understanding how the interplay between these stressors changes T cells' response is important to better characterize space-related immune dysfunction. We have exposed stimulated Jurkat cells to simulated space stressors (1 Gy, carbon ions/1 Gy photons, 1 µM hydrocortisone (HC), Mars, moon, and microgravity) in a single or combined manner. Pro-inflammatory cytokine IL-2 was measured in the supernatant of Jurkat cells and at the mRNA level. Results show that alone, HC, Mars gravity and microgravity significantly decrease IL-2 presence in the supernatant. 1 Gy carbon ion irradiation showed a smaller impact on IL-2 levels than photon irradiation. Combining exposure to different simulated space stressors seems to have less immunosuppressive effects. Gene expression was less impacted at the time-point collected. These findings showcase a complex T cell response to different conditions and suggest the importance of elevated cortisol levels in the context of space flight, also highlighting the need to use simulated partial gravity technologies to better understand the immune system's response to the space environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvana Miranda
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK CEN, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (S.M.)
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Randy Vermeesen
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK CEN, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (S.M.)
| | - Wilhelmina E. Radstake
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK CEN, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (S.M.)
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Alessio Parisi
- Radiation Protection Dosimetry and Calibration Expert Group, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre (SCK CEN), 2400 Mol, Belgium
| | - Anna Ivanova
- Data Science Institute (DSI), I-BioStat University of Hasselt, 3590 Hasselt, Belgium
| | - Sarah Baatout
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK CEN, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (S.M.)
- Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Bioscience Engineering, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Kevin Tabury
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK CEN, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (S.M.)
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering and Computing, University of South Carolina, Columbia, SC 29208, USA
| | - Bjorn Baselet
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre SCK CEN, 2400 Mol, Belgium; (S.M.)
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Jacob P, Oertlin C, Baselet B, Westerberg LS, Frippiat JP, Baatout S. Next generation of astronauts or ESA astronaut 2.0 concept and spotlight on immunity. NPJ Microgravity 2023; 9:51. [PMID: 37380641 DOI: 10.1038/s41526-023-00294-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Although we have sent humans into space for more than 50 years, crucial questions regarding immune response in space conditions remain unanswered. There are many complex interactions between the immune system and other physiological systems in the human body. This makes it difficult to study the combined long-term effects of space stressors such as radiation and microgravity. In particular, exposure to microgravity and cosmic radiation may produce changes in the performance of the immune system at the cellular and molecular levels and in the major physiological systems of the body. Consequently, abnormal immune responses induced in the space environment may have serious health consequences, especially in future long-term space missions. In particular, radiation-induced immune effects pose significant health challenges for long-duration space exploration missions with potential risks to reduce the organism's ability to respond to injuries, infections, and vaccines, and predispose astronauts to the onset of chronic diseases (e.g., immunosuppression, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases, gut dysbiosis). Other deleterious effects encountered by radiation may include cancer and premature aging, induced by dysregulated redox and metabolic processes, microbiota, immune cell function, endotoxin, and pro-inflammatory signal production1,2. In this review, we summarize and highlight the current understanding of the effects of microgravity and radiation on the immune system and discuss knowledge gaps that future studies should address.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pauline Jacob
- Stress Immunity Pathogens Laboratory, UR 7300 SIMPA, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Christian Oertlin
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Microbiology Tumor and Cell biology, Stockholm, SE-17177, Sweden
| | - Bjorn Baselet
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK CEN, Mol, Belgium
| | - Lisa S Westerberg
- Karolinska Institutet, Department of Microbiology Tumor and Cell biology, Stockholm, SE-17177, Sweden
| | - Jean-Pol Frippiat
- Stress Immunity Pathogens Laboratory, UR 7300 SIMPA, Faculty of Medicine, Université de Lorraine, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy, France
| | - Sarah Baatout
- Radiobiology Unit, Belgian Nuclear Research Centre, SCK CEN, Mol, Belgium.
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology, Gent University, Gent, Belgium.
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Lv H, Yang H, Jiang C, Shi J, Chen RA, Huang Q, Shao D. Microgravity and immune cells. J R Soc Interface 2023; 20:20220869. [PMID: 36789512 PMCID: PMC9929508 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2022.0869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The microgravity environment experienced during spaceflight severely impaired immune system, making astronauts vulnerable to various diseases that seriously threaten the health of astronauts. Immune cells are exceptionally sensitive to changes in gravity and the microgravity environment can affect multiple aspects of immune cells through different mechanisms. Previous reports have mainly summarized the role of microgravity in the classification of innate and adaptive immune cells, lacking an overall grasp of the laws that microgravity effects on immune cells at different stages of their entire developmental process, such as differentiation, activation, metabolism, as well as function, which are discussed and concluded in this review. The possible molecular mechanisms are also analysed to provide a clear understanding of the specific role of microgravity in the whole development process of immune cells. Furthermore, the existing methods by which to reverse the damage of immune cells caused by microgravity, such as the use of polysaccharides, flavonoids, other natural immune cell activators etc. to target cell proliferation, apoptosis and impaired function are summarized. This review will provide not only new directions and ideas for the study of immune cell function in the microgravity environment, but also an important theoretical basis for the development of immunosuppression prevention and treatment drugs for spaceflight.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongfang Lv
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, People's Republic of China
| | - Huan Yang
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunmei Jiang
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, People's Republic of China
| | - Junling Shi
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, People's Republic of China
| | - Ren-an Chen
- Hematology Department, Shaanxi Provincial Tumor Hospital, 309 Yanta West Road, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710072, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingsheng Huang
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, People's Republic of China
| | - Dongyan Shao
- Key Laboratory for Space Bioscience and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an 710072, People's Republic of China
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Kim M, Jang G, Kim KS, Shin J. Detrimental effects of simulated microgravity on mast cell homeostasis and function. Front Immunol 2022; 13:1055531. [PMID: 36591304 PMCID: PMC9800517 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2022.1055531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 12/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Exposure to microgravity causes significant alterations in astronauts' immune systems during spaceflight; however, it is unknown whether microgravity affects mast cell homeostasis and activation. Here we show that microgravity negatively regulates the survival and effector function of mast cells. Murine bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs) were cultured with IL-3 in a rotary cell culture system (RCCS) that generates a simulated microgravity (SMG) environment. BMMCs exposed to SMG showed enhanced apoptosis along with the downregulation of Bcl-2, and reduced proliferation compared to Earth's gravity (1G) controls. The reduction in survival and proliferation caused by SMG exposure was recovered by stem cell factor. In addition, SMG impaired mast cell degranulation and cytokine secretion. BMMCs pre-exposed to SMG showed decreased release of β-hexosaminidase, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) upon stimulation with phorbol 12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) plus calcium ionophore ionomycin, which correlated with decreased calcium influx. These findings provide new insights into microgravity-mediated alterations of mast cell phenotypes, contributing to the understanding of immune system dysfunction for further space medicine research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minjin Kim
- Inha Research Institute for Aerospace Medicine, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea,Department of Microbiology, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Gyeongin Jang
- Inha Research Institute for Aerospace Medicine, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea,Department of Microbiology, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu-Sung Kim
- Inha Research Institute for Aerospace Medicine, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea,Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Inha University Hospital, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Jinwook Shin
- Inha Research Institute for Aerospace Medicine, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea,Department of Microbiology, Inha University College of Medicine, Incheon, Republic of Korea,*Correspondence: Jinwook Shin,
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田 佳, 张 霞, 程 功, 刘 庆, 王 世, 何 菁. [Serum interleukin-2 receptor α as a clinical biomarker in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus]. BEIJING DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF PEKING UNIVERSITY. HEALTH SCIENCES 2021; 53:1083-1087. [PMID: 34916686 PMCID: PMC8695147 DOI: 10.19723/j.issn.1671-167x.2021.06.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the clinical relevance of serum interleukin-2 receptor α (IL-2Rα) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). METHODS One hundred and seven SLE patients and 39 healthy controls with comparable age and gender were recruited at Peking University People's Hospital from January 2019 to December 2020. Complete clinical data in 107 SLE patients at baseline and follow-up were collected. SLE disease activity index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K) was used to assess the disease activity of the SLE patients. The serum level of IL-2Rα in the SLE patients and healthy controls was measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The association between serum IL-2Rα and clinical and laboratory parameters was investigated. Mann-Whitney U test or t test, Chi-square test and Spearman correlation were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS The serum IL-2Rα levels were significantly higher in the SLE patients [830.82 (104.2-8 940.48) ng/L], compared with those in the healthy controls [505.1 (78.65-1 711.52) ng/L] (P < 0.001). Association analysis showed that the increased serum IL-2Rα was positively associated with SLEDAI-2K scores and anti-nucleosome antibody (r=0.357, P < 0.001; r=0.25, P=0.027, respectively). Thirty-six of 107 (33.6%) SLE patients had lupus nephritis. Serum IL-2Rα levels were significantly higher in the patients accompanied with lupus nephritis [1 102.14 (126.52-8 940.48) ng/L] than in the patients without lupus nephritis [743.89 (104.19-4 872.06) ng/L] (P=0.032). The patients in the high IL-2Rα group had more lupus nephritis compared with those in the low IL-2Rα group (40.8% vs. 19.4%, P=0.031). Meanwhile, SLEDAI-2K scores were found significantly higher in the high IL-2Rα group than in the low IL-2Rα group [10 (3-21) vs. 7 (3-16), P=0.001]. With the improvement of disease activity in the SLE patients after conventional treatments, serum levels of IL-2Rα [1 119.1 (372.25-2 608.86) ng/L] in the week 12 decreased significantly compared with the baseline [1 556.73 (373.08-8 940.48) ng/L] (P=0.042). CONCLUSION Serum IL-2Rα may be used as a biomarker of disease activity in patients with SLE. There is certain correlation between serum IL-2Rα and renal involvement in SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- 佳宜 田
- />北京大学人民医院风湿免疫科,北京 100044Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
| | - 霞 张
- />北京大学人民医院风湿免疫科,北京 100044Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
| | - 功 程
- />北京大学人民医院风湿免疫科,北京 100044Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
| | - 庆红 刘
- />北京大学人民医院风湿免疫科,北京 100044Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
| | - 世阳 王
- />北京大学人民医院风湿免疫科,北京 100044Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
| | - 菁 何
- />北京大学人民医院风湿免疫科,北京 100044Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing 100044, China
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Dhar S, Kaeley DK, Kanan MJ, Yildirim-Ayan E. Mechano-Immunomodulation in Space: Mechanisms Involving Microgravity-Induced Changes in T Cells. Life (Basel) 2021; 11:life11101043. [PMID: 34685414 PMCID: PMC8537592 DOI: 10.3390/life11101043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Of the most prevalent issues surrounding long-term spaceflight, the sustainability of human life and the maintenance of homeostasis in an extreme environment are of utmost concern. It has been observed that the human immune system is dysregulated in space as a result of gravitational unloading at the cellular level, leading to potential complications in astronaut health. A plethora of studies demonstrate intracellular changes that occur due to microgravity; however, these ultimately fall short of identifying the underlying mechanisms and dysfunctions that cause such changes. This comprehensive review covers the changes in human adaptive immunity due to microgravity. Specifically, there is a focus on uncovering the gravisensitive steps in T cell signaling pathways. Changes in gravitational force may lead to interrupted immune signaling cascades at specific junctions, particularly membrane and surface receptor-proximal molecules. Holistically studying the interplay of signaling with morphological changes in cytoskeleton and other cell components may yield answers to what in the T cell specifically experiences the consequences of microgravity. Fully understanding the nature of this problem is essential in order to develop proper countermeasures before long-term space flight is conducted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarit Dhar
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA; (S.D.); (D.K.K.); (M.J.K.)
| | - Dilpreet Kaur Kaeley
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA; (S.D.); (D.K.K.); (M.J.K.)
| | - Mohamad Jalal Kanan
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA; (S.D.); (D.K.K.); (M.J.K.)
| | - Eda Yildirim-Ayan
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH 43606, USA; (S.D.); (D.K.K.); (M.J.K.)
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of Toledo Medical Center, Toledo, OH 43614, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-419-530-8257; Fax: +1-419-530-8030
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ElGindi M, Sapudom J, Ibrahim IH, Al-Sayegh M, Chen W, Garcia-Sabaté A, Teo JCM. May the Force Be with You (Or Not): The Immune System under Microgravity. Cells 2021; 10:1941. [PMID: 34440709 PMCID: PMC8391211 DOI: 10.3390/cells10081941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 07/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
All terrestrial organisms have evolved and adapted to thrive under Earth's gravitational force. Due to the increase of crewed space flights in recent years, it is vital to understand how the lack of gravitational forces affects organisms. It is known that astronauts who have been exposed to microgravity suffer from an array of pathological conditions including an impaired immune system, which is one of the most negatively affected by microgravity. However, at the cellular level a gap in knowledge exists, limiting our ability to understand immune impairment in space. This review highlights the most significant work done over the past 10 years detailing the effects of microgravity on cellular aspects of the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei ElGindi
- Laboratory for Immuno Bioengineering Research and Applications, Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 129188, United Arab Emirates; (M.E.); (J.S.); (I.H.I.)
| | - Jiranuwat Sapudom
- Laboratory for Immuno Bioengineering Research and Applications, Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 129188, United Arab Emirates; (M.E.); (J.S.); (I.H.I.)
| | - Ibrahim Hamed Ibrahim
- Laboratory for Immuno Bioengineering Research and Applications, Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 129188, United Arab Emirates; (M.E.); (J.S.); (I.H.I.)
| | - Mohamed Al-Sayegh
- Biology Division, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 129188, United Arab Emirates;
| | - Weiqiang Chen
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA;
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA
| | - Anna Garcia-Sabaté
- Laboratory for Immuno Bioengineering Research and Applications, Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 129188, United Arab Emirates; (M.E.); (J.S.); (I.H.I.)
| | - Jeremy C. M. Teo
- Laboratory for Immuno Bioengineering Research and Applications, Division of Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi P.O. Box 129188, United Arab Emirates; (M.E.); (J.S.); (I.H.I.)
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA;
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA
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Gregg RK. Implications of microgravity-induced cell signaling alterations upon cancer cell growth, invasiveness, metastatic potential, and control by host immunity. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 361:107-164. [PMID: 34074492 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2021.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The human endeavor to venture beyond the orbit of Earth is challenged by both continuous space radiation and microgravity-induced immune dysfunction. If cancers were to develop in astronauts, it is unclear how these abnormal cells would grow and progress in the microgravity environment. It is unknown if the astronaut's immune response would be able to control or eradicate cancer. A better molecular understanding of how the mechanical force of gravity affects the cell as well as the aggressiveness of cancers and the functionality of host immunity is needed. This review will summarize findings related to microgravity-mediated alterations in the cell cytoskeleton, cell-cell, and cell-extracellular matrix interactions including cadherins, immunoglobulin superfamily of adhesion molecules, selectins, and integrins and related cell signaling. The effects of spaceflight and simulated microgravity on cell viability, cancer cell growth, invasiveness, angiogenesis, metastasis as well as immune cell functions and the subsequent signaling pathways involved will be discussed. Microgravity-induced alterations in function and signaling of the major anti-cancer immune populations will be examined including natural killer cells, dendritic cells, CD4+ T cells, and CD8+ T cells. Further studies regarding the molecular events impacted by microgravity in both cancer and immune cells will greatly increase the development of therapies to restrict tumor growth and enhance cancer-specific responses for both astronauts and patients on Earth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Randal K Gregg
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, DeBusk College of Osteopathic Medicine at Lincoln Memorial University-Knoxville, Knoxville, TN, United States.
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Prasad B, Grimm D, Strauch SM, Erzinger GS, Corydon TJ, Lebert M, Magnusson NE, Infanger M, Richter P, Krüger M. Influence of Microgravity on Apoptosis in Cells, Tissues, and Other Systems In Vivo and In Vitro. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E9373. [PMID: 33317046 PMCID: PMC7764784 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 12/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
All life forms have evolved under the constant force of gravity on Earth and developed ways to counterbalance acceleration load. In space, shear forces, buoyance-driven convection, and hydrostatic pressure are nullified or strongly reduced. When subjected to microgravity in space, the equilibrium between cell architecture and the external force is disturbed, resulting in changes at the cellular and sub-cellular levels (e.g., cytoskeleton, signal transduction, membrane permeability, etc.). Cosmic radiation also poses great health risks to astronauts because it has high linear energy transfer values that evoke complex DNA and other cellular damage. Space environmental conditions have been shown to influence apoptosis in various cell types. Apoptosis has important functions in morphogenesis, organ development, and wound healing. This review provides an overview of microgravity research platforms and apoptosis. The sections summarize the current knowledge of the impact of microgravity and cosmic radiation on cells with respect to apoptosis. Apoptosis-related microgravity experiments conducted with different mammalian model systems are presented. Recent findings in cells of the immune system, cardiovascular system, brain, eyes, cartilage, bone, gastrointestinal tract, liver, and pancreas, as well as cancer cells investigated under real and simulated microgravity conditions, are discussed. This comprehensive review indicates the potential of the space environment in biomedical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binod Prasad
- Gravitational Biology Group, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander University, Staudtstraße 5, 91058 Erlangen, Germany; (B.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Daniela Grimm
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Høegh-Guldbergsgade 10, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; (D.G.); (T.J.C.)
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (M.I.); (M.K.)
- Research Group “Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt- und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen” (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Sebastian M. Strauch
- Postgraduate Program in Health and Environment, University of Joinville Region, Rua Paulo Malschitzki, 10 - Zona Industrial Norte, Joinville, SC 89219-710, Brazil; (S.M.S.); (G.S.E.)
| | - Gilmar Sidnei Erzinger
- Postgraduate Program in Health and Environment, University of Joinville Region, Rua Paulo Malschitzki, 10 - Zona Industrial Norte, Joinville, SC 89219-710, Brazil; (S.M.S.); (G.S.E.)
| | - Thomas J. Corydon
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Høegh-Guldbergsgade 10, 8000 Aarhus C, Denmark; (D.G.); (T.J.C.)
- Department of Ophthalmology, Aarhus University Hospital, Palle Juul-Jensens Blvd. 99, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Michael Lebert
- Gravitational Biology Group, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander University, Staudtstraße 5, 91058 Erlangen, Germany; (B.P.); (M.L.)
- Space Biology Unlimited SAS, 24 Cours de l’Intendance, 33000 Bordeaux, France
| | - Nils E. Magnusson
- Diabetes and Hormone Diseases, Medical Research Laboratory, Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health, Aarhus University, Palle Juul-Jensens Boulevard 165, 8200 Aarhus N, Denmark;
| | - Manfred Infanger
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (M.I.); (M.K.)
- Research Group “Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt- und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen” (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Peter Richter
- Gravitational Biology Group, Department of Biology, Friedrich-Alexander University, Staudtstraße 5, 91058 Erlangen, Germany; (B.P.); (M.L.)
| | - Marcus Krüger
- Department of Microgravity and Translational Regenerative Medicine, Clinic for Plastic, Aesthetic and Hand Surgery, Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany; (M.I.); (M.K.)
- Research Group “Magdeburger Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Forschung unter Raumfahrt- und Schwerelosigkeitsbedingungen” (MARS), Otto von Guericke University, 39106 Magdeburg, Germany
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Hassan W, Behiry E, Mahgoub M. Urinary soluble alpha chain of the interleukin-2 receptor as a biomarker of active lupus nephritis in Egyptian children with juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus. Arch Rheumatol 2020; 36:47-55. [PMID: 34046568 PMCID: PMC8140875 DOI: 10.46497/archrheumatol.2021.8001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives
This study aims to assess the urinary soluble alpha chain of the interleukin-2 receptor (sCD25) concentrations in patients with juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) and to evaluate its validity to be a possible marker of disease activity in patients with lupus nephritis (LN). Patients and methods
We assessed sCD25 concentrations in urine samples obtained from 53 JSLE patients (15 males, 38 females; median age 11 years; range, 7 to 17 years) and 30 age- and sex-matched apparently healthy controls (10 males, 20 females; median age 10 years; range, 6 to 16 years). Concentrations were normalized according to urinary creatinine excretion. JSLE patients were subjected to clinical examination and assessment of overall disease activity by Systemic Lupus Erythematous Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), while evaluation of LN activity was preformed using Systemic Lupus International Collaborating Clinics (SLICC) renal activity score. Results
The JSLE patients had significantly higher normalized urinary sCD25 concentrations compared to the healthy controls (p=0.001). Patients with active LN had significantly higher normalized urinary sCD25 levels than active JSLE patients without LN (p=0.002) and JSLE patients with inactive disease (p<0.001). A significant positive correlation was found between normalized urinary sCD25 concentrations with different activity parameters such as proteinuria (p=0.004), SLEDAI (p<0.001), renal SLEDAI (p<0.001), and SLICC renal activity score (p<0.001). A significant negative correlation was found between urinary sCD25 and complement 3 (p<0.001). Conclusion Urinary concentrations of sCD25 were significantly elevated in JSLE patients, particularly in those with active LN. The remarkable association between urinary sCD25 concentrations and different renal disease activity parameters implies that urinary sCD25 can be a beneficial marker to monitor active nephritis in JSLE patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Waleed Hassan
- Department of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Benha University, Faculty of Medicine, Benha, Egypt
| | - Eman Behiry
- Department of Clinical and Chemical Pathology, Benha University, Faculty of Medicine, Benha, Egypt
| | - Marwa Mahgoub
- Department of Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, Benha University, Faculty of Medicine, Benha, Egypt
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Prolonged exposure to simulated microgravity diminishes dendritic cell immunogenicity. Sci Rep 2019; 9:13825. [PMID: 31554863 PMCID: PMC6761163 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-50311-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/10/2019] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Immune dysfunction due to microgravity remains a hurdle in the next step of human space exploration. Dendritic cells (DC) represent a critical component of immunity, given their role in the detection of invaders and the subsequent task of activating T cells to respond and eliminate the threat. Upon encounter with microbes, DC undergo a process of maturation, whereby the cells upregulate the expression of surface proteins and secrete cytokines, both required for the optimal activation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. In this study, DC were cultured from 2–14 days in a rotary cell culture system, which generates a simulated microgravity (SMG) environment, and then the cells were assessed for maturation status and the capacity to activate T cells. Short-term culture (<72 h) of DC in SMG resulted in an increased expression of surface proteins associated with maturation and interleukin-6 production. Subsequently, the SMG exposed DC were superior to Static control DC at activating both CD4+ and CD8+ T cells as measured by interleukin-2 and interferon-γ production, respectively. However, long-term culture (4–14 d) of DC in SMG reduced the expression of maturation markers and the capacity to activate T cells as compared to Static DC controls.
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Radio Electric Asymmetric Conveyer (REAC) technology to obviate loss of T cell responsiveness under simulated microgravity. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0200128. [PMID: 29979723 PMCID: PMC6034838 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0200128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 06/20/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Alterations of the gravitational environment are likely to modify cell behavior. Several studies have proven that T cells are sensitive to gravity alterations and that microgravity conditions may induce immunosuppression and weakened T cell immune response in humans during spaceflights. The aim of this work was to elucidate if a specific treatment of Radio Electric Asymmetric Conveyer (REAC) technology could restore, after mitogenic activation (Con A), a correct expression of cytokine IL2 gene and its receptor IL2R alpha, which are inhibited in T cells under microgravity conditions, as demonstrated in several studies. The results of this study, conducted in microgravity simulated with Random Positioning Machine (RPM), confirm the T cell activation recovery and offer the evidence that REAC technology could contribute to the understanding of T cell growth responsiveness in space, reducing the impact of weightlessness on the immune system experienced by humans in long duration space missions.
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Zhang RJ, Zhang X, Chen J, Shao M, Yang Y, Balaubramaniam B, Sun XL, Ambrus JL, He J, Li ZG. Serum soluble CD25 as a risk factor of renal impairment in systemic lupus erythematosus - a prospective cohort study. Lupus 2018; 27:1100-1106. [PMID: 29482443 DOI: 10.1177/0961203318760993] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Objective Serum soluble CD25 (sCD25) could be used as a biomarker for disease activity in conditions associated with T-cell activation including various autoimmune diseases. This study aimed to explore the role of sCD25 as an indicator of disease activity and organ involvement in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods Serum samples were collected from 107 SLE patients and 92 age-matched healthy controls (HCs). All patients were followed up for 24 weeks, and sCD25 was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Clinical and laboratory data were recorded at baseline and then every two weeks until week 24. The Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index-2000 (SLEDAI)-2K was adopted for assessing disease activity at all visits. Results Serum sCD25 levels were significantly increased in SLE patients compared to those in HCs ( p < 0.001). More patients in the high-sCD25 group had lupus nephritis, arthritis and vasculitis ( p = 0.010, p = 0.023 and p = 0.042, respectively). SLEDAI-2K, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C-reactive protein and 24-hour urinary protein excretion were all associated with high levels of sCD25 ( p < 0.001, p = 0.002, p = 0.038 and p = 0.029, respectively). During the 24-week follow-up, more patients in the high-sCD25 group developed renal impairment (48% vs 6.2%, p = 0.005), and higher levels of sCD25 ( p = 0.033) were found at the time of onset of renal disease. Conclusions Serum sCD25 is a hallmark of disease activity and a predictor of renal disease in patients with SLE.
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Affiliation(s)
- R J Zhang
- 1 Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, 71185 Peking University People's Hospital , Beijing, China.,2 Beijing Key Laboratory for Rheumatism Mechanism and Immune Diagnosis (BZ0135), Beijing, China
| | - X Zhang
- 1 Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, 71185 Peking University People's Hospital , Beijing, China.,2 Beijing Key Laboratory for Rheumatism Mechanism and Immune Diagnosis (BZ0135), Beijing, China
| | - J Chen
- 1 Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, 71185 Peking University People's Hospital , Beijing, China.,2 Beijing Key Laboratory for Rheumatism Mechanism and Immune Diagnosis (BZ0135), Beijing, China
| | - M Shao
- 1 Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, 71185 Peking University People's Hospital , Beijing, China.,2 Beijing Key Laboratory for Rheumatism Mechanism and Immune Diagnosis (BZ0135), Beijing, China
| | - Y Yang
- 1 Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, 71185 Peking University People's Hospital , Beijing, China.,2 Beijing Key Laboratory for Rheumatism Mechanism and Immune Diagnosis (BZ0135), Beijing, China
| | - B Balaubramaniam
- 3 Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, SUNY at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - X L Sun
- 1 Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, 71185 Peking University People's Hospital , Beijing, China
| | - J L Ambrus
- 3 Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Immunology and Rheumatology, SUNY at Buffalo School of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - J He
- 1 Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, 71185 Peking University People's Hospital , Beijing, China.,2 Beijing Key Laboratory for Rheumatism Mechanism and Immune Diagnosis (BZ0135), Beijing, China
| | - Z G Li
- 1 Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, 71185 Peking University People's Hospital , Beijing, China.,2 Beijing Key Laboratory for Rheumatism Mechanism and Immune Diagnosis (BZ0135), Beijing, China
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The Impact of Oxidative Stress on the Bone System in Response to the Space Special Environment. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18102132. [PMID: 29023398 PMCID: PMC5666814 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18102132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2017] [Revised: 09/28/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The space special environment mainly includes microgravity, radiation, vacuum and extreme temperature, which seriously threatens an astronaut’s health. Bone loss is one of the most significant alterations in mammalians after long-duration habitation in space. In this review, we summarize the crucial roles of major factors—namely radiation and microgravity—in space in oxidative stress generation in living organisms, and the inhibitory effect of oxidative stress on bone formation. We discussed the possible mechanisms of oxidative stress-induced skeletal involution, and listed some countermeasures that have therapeutic potentials for bone loss via oxidative stress antagonism. Future research for better understanding the oxidative stress caused by space environment and the development of countermeasures against oxidative damage accordingly may facilitate human beings to live more safely in space and explore deeper into the universe.
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Wang C, Chen H, Luo H, Zhu L, Zhao Y, Tian H, Wang R, Shang P, Zhao Y. Microgravity activates p38 MAPK-C/EBPβ pathway to regulate the expression of arginase and inflammatory cytokines in macrophages. Inflamm Res 2015; 64:303-11. [PMID: 25804385 DOI: 10.1007/s00011-015-0811-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2014] [Revised: 01/24/2015] [Accepted: 02/10/2015] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN Molecular mechanisms of microgravity-caused immunosuppression are not fully elucidated. In the present study, we investigated the effects of simulated microgravity on macrophage functions and tried to identify the related intracellular signal pathways. MATERIAL OR SUBJECTS Primary mouse macrophages were used in the present study. The gene expression and function of IL-4-treated mouse macrophages were detected after simulated microgravity or 1 g control. METHODS Freshly isolated primary mouse macrophages were cultured in a standard simulated microgravity situation using a rotary cell culture system (RCCS-1) and 1 g control conditions. Real-time PCR, western blots and flow cytometry were used to investigate the related intracellular signals and molecule expression. RESULTS The arginase mRNA and protein levels in freshly isolated primary mouse macrophages under simulated microgravity using RCCS-1 were significantly higher than those under normal gravity. Meanwhile, simulated microgravity induced over-expression of C/EBPβ, a transcription factor of arginase promoter, and activation of p38 MAPK, which could increase C/EBPβ expression. Furthermore, up-regulation of Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and down-regulation of IL-12 p40 (IL-12B) in LPS-stimulated macrophages were also detected after simulated microgravity, which is regulated by C/EBPβ. CONCLUSIONS Simulated microgravity activates a p38 MAPK-C/EBPβ pathway in macrophages to up-regulate arginase and IL-6 expression and down-regulate IL-12B expression. Both increased arginase expression and decreased IL-12B expression in macrophages during inflammation could result in immunosuppression under microgravity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chongzhen Wang
- Transplantation Biology Research Division, State Key Laboratory of Biomembrane and Membrane Biotechnology, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beichen West Road 1-5, Chaoyang District, Beijing, 100101, China
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