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Adaptive Immunity and Spaceflight

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Stress Challenges and Immunity in Space

Abstract

Spaceflight causes alterations in human immunity, a finding which has been well documented immediately following spaceflight. Limited in-flight studies have also confirmed that to some degree immunity is compromised during spaceflight. A comprehensive understanding of the nature of these immune changes is lacking. This chapter reviews the current evidence regarding spaceflight effects on the function of the adaptive immune system, and speculates on potential adverse clinical outcomes and likely countermeasures. Potential causes for these alterations are discussed elsewhere in this volume (Chap. 9), as are spaceflight effects on the function of the innate immune system (Chap. 10).

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. NASA-Johnson Space Center, Houston, TX, USA

    Brian Crucian & Clarence Sams

Authors
  1. Brian Crucian
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  2. Clarence Sams
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Brian Crucian .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Klinikum Großhadern, Klinik für Anästhesiologie und, Universitätsklinikum München, Marchioninistr. 15, München, 81377, Germany

    Alexander Chouker

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© 2012 Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg

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Crucian, B., Sams, C. (2012). Adaptive Immunity and Spaceflight. In: Chouker, A. (eds) Stress Challenges and Immunity in Space. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-642-22272-6_12

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