Studying immune cell aging in space could lead to new treatments for patients on Earth

Kennedy Space Center, Florida, October 3, 2023 /PRNewswire/ — A healthy immune system protects the body from invaders such as bacteria and viruses. However, older adults and people facing chronic illnesses can have weakened immune systems over time. To better understand the relationship between immune aging and how the body heals, a team of scientists will leverage the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory to study the effects of microgravity on immune cell function. This has taken research to new heights.

As people age, the function of their immune system gradually declines over time, making them increasingly vulnerable to infections and disease. Research shows that these same types of immune system changes have been observed in healthy astronauts during spaceflight, but at an accelerated rate. Therefore, the unique environment of the space station makes it an ideal platform to study immunosenescence processes.

The study is published in the current issue. upwardthe official magazine of the ISS National Laboratory. upward is dedicated to communicating the results of ISS National Laboratory-sponsored experiments that demonstrate the value of space-based research and technology development.Read article “Unlocking the secrets of the immune system: How a cosmic tissue chip holds the key.” Discover how scientists are using orbiting laboratories to conduct research that could lead to new treatments for patients with compromised immune systems on Earth.

Complete upward Volume 6, Issue 3 has been published Downloadabletogether with the previous problem.

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About the International Space Station (ISS) National Laboratory:
The International Space Station (ISS) is a unique laboratory that enables research and technological development that would be impossible on Earth.ISS National Institute as a Public Enterprise^® Researchers will leverage this multi-user facility to improve the quality of life on Earth, mature space-based business models, improve the scientific literacy of future workforces, and support sustainable expansion in low-Earth orbit. You can expand your possible market. Through this orbiting national laboratory, research resources on the ISS can be used to support non-NASA science, technology, and education efforts by U.S. government agencies, academic institutions, and the private sector. The Center for the Advancement of Science in Space™ (CASIS™) manages the ISS National Laboratory under a cooperative agreement with NASA and provides a permanent microgravity research environment, a powerful perspective in low Earth orbit, and extreme Facilitates access to diverse conditions. of space. Click here to learn more about ISS National Laboratory. Website.

Source International Space Station National Laboratory