Space travel is at risk of being compromised. In question, a deregulation of the immune system of the astronauts, which would be disturbed during these trips of very long duration. According to two studies by NASA, published by the journal Journal of Interferon & Cytokine Research, the distribution of immune cells in the blood changes in space. Some cellular functions become weaker and others increase, confusing the immune system.
“Prior to this study, very little data was available on the immune system during space flights. We now know that a disruption of the immune system occurs during these flights and that it can even persist afterwards “, explains Dr. Brian Crucian, biologist at NASA and expert in immunology.
An inappropriate response
The researchers analyzed the blood of 28 crew members who stayed on the International Space Station before, during and after their trip. The disruption of immune cells caused an inappropriate response to threats faced by the astronauts. A common cold can therefore become very serious for members of a crew traveling in space.
Microbes, stress, microgravity and disruption of sleep cycles could be responsible for this disruption, say NASA researchers. Further studies are needed to more accurately determine its impact on the health of astronauts in the long term.
