The NASA Task Book

Responsible Center: NASA JSC Grant Monitor: McCollum, Suzanne Center Contact: 281 483-7307 suzanne.g.mccollum@nasa.gov Unique ID: 2382	Solicitation / Funding Source: 96-OLMSA-01 Grant/Contract No.: None Project Type: FLIGHT Flight Program: Pre/Post Flight TechPort: No	No. of Post Docs: 0 No. of PhD Candidates: 0 No. of Master's Candidates: 0 No. of Bachelor's Candidates: 0	No. of PhD Degrees: No. of Master's Degrees: No. of Bachelor's Degrees:

Human Research Program Elements:	(1) HHC:Human Health Countermeasures

Human Research Program Risks:	(1) Immune:Risk of Adverse Health Event Due to Altered Immune Response

Human Research Program Gaps:	(1) IM-101:Evaluate the effects of deep-space radiation on immune dysfunction, as an additional hazard to the effects of psychophysiological stress and weightlessness.

Flight Assignment/Project Notes:	ISS STS-96, 95, 93, 107 In flight development phase (data collection has begun)

Task Description:	Space flight may affect the delicate host-parasite relationship, thus increasing susceptibility to infectious disease. Changes in the human immune response during space flight suggest that the ability to meet infectious challenges may be attenuated. The early phases of the host response to infection depend on innate immunity in which a variety of innate resistance mechanisms recognize and respond to the presence of a pathogen. Innate immunity is present in all individuals at all times, does not increase with repeated exposure to a given pathogen, and does not discriminate between pathogens. Our hypothesis is: essential functions of neutrophils, monocytes, and natural killer (NK) cells will be altered during space flight. The constraints inherent in space flight (e.g., few subjects) mandated the use of ground-based models to supplement flight investigations. These models included a closed population in a closed environmental chamber and Antarctic expeditioners. These studies evaluated quantitative and functional data from important components of the immune response such as: neutrophils, monocytes, platelets, and natural killer cells. Our objectives are to determine the effects of space flight on: (1) neutrophil and monocyte functions such as phagocytosis, degranulation, oxidative burst capacity, and expression of surface molecules (including adhesion molecules), and (2) natural-killer cell and lymphokine-activated killer cell cytotoxicity against target cells, and cytokine production. Results from these studies provide essential data complementing other ongoing space immunology investigations. Realization of our specific aims will increase our understanding of the host-parasite relationship and the risk of infectious disease during space flight. To determine changes in the immune functions associated with space flight Astronauts live and work in a relatively crowded and stressful environment. Stresses integral to space flight, such as containment, isolation, space radiation, physical exertion, psychosocial interactions, anxiety, and sleep deprivation, can adversely affect astronaut health. Addition of microgravity to the list of stressors and one can see that space flight is a unique stress environment. Long duration exploration missions of the Moon and Mars require astronauts with fully functional and robust immune systems to reduce the development of infections and tumor cell. Successful completion of this investigation will result in a better understanding of the effects of space flight on an essential element of the human immune response. This will complete one more piece of the immunity puzzle in an effort to determine if long duration space flight results in adverse effects on the immune system. If medically significant changes occur, efforts to prevent or diminish adverse effects on the immune system will be investigated.

Research Impact/Earth Benefits:	The reductions in neutrophil, monocyte, and NK-cell functions are most probably the result of stress associated with space flight. We believe that space flight is a unique stress model, and new insight into the physiological effects of stress will result from these immunological studies. Perhaps, the asymptomatic changes in immune function observed in these studies may be helpful in determining clinically relevant thresholds in the human immune response.

Task Progress & Bibliography Information FY2008

Task Progress:

A second study investigated the ability of the shuttle crew members’ monocytes to respond to Gram-negative endotoxin that they could encounter during infections. Blood specimens were collected from 20 crew members and 15 control subjects 10 days before launch, 3 to 4 h after landing, and 15 days after landing and from crew members during their annual medical examination at 6 to 12 months after landing. When challenged with Gram-negative endotoxin, the crew member’s monocytes collected at all three time points produced lower levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-1 and higher levels of IL-1ra and IL-8 compared to those of control subjects. Cytokines were assessed by measuring the number of cells positive for intracellular cytokines. These values returned to normal 6 to 12 months after landing, except for IL-1ra, which was still higher (5 to 6-fold) than in controls. This phenomenon was accompanied by an increased expression of Toll-like receptor 4 and decreased expression of CD14 on the crew members’ monocytes at all time points. There were also increased levels of the lipopolysaccharide binding protein in the plasma of the crew members 3 to 4 hour and 15 days after landing. This study shows that spaceflight-associated factors (in-flight and preflight) modulate the response of monocytes to Gram-negative endotoxins.

Bibliography:

Description: (Last Updated: 03/24/2020)

Show Cumulative Bibliography


Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals	Kaur I, Simons ER, Kapadia AS, Ott CM, Pierson DL. "Effect of spaceflight on ability of monocytes to respond to endotoxins of gram-negative bacteria." Clin Vaccine Immunol. 2008 Oct;15(10):1523-8. PMID: 18768671 , Oct-2008

Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals	Stowe RP, Yetman DL, Storm WF, Sams CF, Pierson DL. "Neuroendocrine and immune responses to 16-day bed rest with realistic launch and landing G profiles." Aviat Space Environ Med. 2008 Feb;79(2):117-22. PMID: 18309909 , Feb-2008

Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals	Kaur I, Simons ER, Castro VA, Mark Ott C, Pierson DL. "Changes in neutrophil functions in astronauts." Brain Behav Immun. 2004 Sep;18(5):443-50. PMID: 15265537 , Sep-2004

Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals	Stowe RP, Sams CF, Pierson DL. "Effects of mission duration on neuroimmune responses in astronauts." Aviat Space Environ Med. 2003 Dec;74(12):1281-4. PMID: 14692473 , Jan-2004

Books/Book Chapters	Pierson DL, Mehta SK, Stowe RP. "Reactivation of Latent Herpes Viruses in Astronauts." in "Psychoneuroimmunology. 4th edition." Ed. R. Ader. Amsterdam ; Boston : Elsevier/Academic Press, c2007. vol II, p. 851-868., Aug-2007

Books/Book Chapters	Mehta SK, Pierson DL. "Artificial Gravity and the Immune System Function." in "Artificial gravity." Ed. G. Clement, A. Bukley. Hawthorne, Calif. : Microcosm Press ; New York : Springer, c2007., Sep-2007

Back to Search Results

Project Title: Flight-Induced Changes in Immune Defenses-DSO 498

Reduce

Fiscal Year: FY 2005
Division: Human Research
Research Discipline/Element:
HRP HHC:Human Health Countermeasures

Start Date: 04/01/1999
End Date: 04/01/2008
Task Last Updated: 11/23/2004

Download report in PDF pdf

Principal Investigator/Affiliation: Pierson, Duane L Ph.D. / NASA Johnson Space Center

Address:

Mail Code SK24
Building 37, Room 1119A, 2101 NASA Parkway
Houston , TX 77058

Email: duane.l.pierson@nasa.gov
Phone: 281-483-7166
Congressional District: 22
Web:

Organization Type: NASA CENTER
Organization Name: NASA Johnson Space Center
Joint Agency:
Comments:

Co-Investigator(s)
Affiliation:

Kaur, Indreshpal

Enterprise Advisory Services Incorporated

Project Information: Grant/Contract No. None

Responsible Center: NASA JSC Grant Monitor: McCollum, Suzanne Center Contact: 281 483-7307 suzanne.g.mccollum@nasa.gov Unique ID: 2382	Solicitation / Funding Source: 96-OLMSA-01 Grant/Contract No.: None Project Type: FLIGHT Flight Program: Pre/Post Flight TechPort: No	No. of Post Docs: 0 No. of PhD Candidates: 0 No. of Master's Candidates: 0 No. of Bachelor's Candidates: 0	No. of PhD Degrees: No. of Master's Degrees: No. of Bachelor's Degrees:

Human Research Program Elements:	(1) HHC:Human Health Countermeasures

Human Research Program Risks:	(1) Immune:Risk of Adverse Health Event Due to Altered Immune Response

Human Research Program Gaps:	(1) IM-101:Evaluate the effects of deep-space radiation on immune dysfunction, as an additional hazard to the effects of psychophysiological stress and weightlessness.

Flight Assignment/Project Notes:	STS-96, 95, 93, 107 ISS In flight development phase (data collection has begun)

Task Description:	Space flight may affect the delicate host-parasite relationship, thus increasing susceptibility to infectious disease. Changes in the human immune response during space flight suggest that the ability to meet infectious challenges may be attenuated. The early phases of the host response to infection depend on innate immunity in which a variety of innate resistance mechanisms recognize and respond to the presence of a pathogen. Innate immunity is present in all individuals at all times, does not increase with repeated exposure to a given pathogen, and does not discriminate between pathogens. Our hypothesis is: essential functions of neutrophils, monocytes, and natural killer (NK) cells will be altered during space flight. The constraints inherent in space flight (e.g., few subjects) mandated the use of ground-based models to supplement flight investigations. These models included a closed population in a closed environmental chamber and Antarctic expeditioners. These studies evaluated quantitative and functional data from important components of the immune response such as: neutrophils, monocytes, platelets, and natural killer cells. Our objectives are to determine the effects of space flight on: (1) neutrophil and monocyte functions such as phagocytosis, degranulation, oxidative burst capacity, and expression of surface molecules (including adhesion molecules), and (2) natural-killer cell and lymphokine-activated killer cell cytotoxicity against target cells, and cytokine production. Results from these studies provide essential data complementing other ongoing space immunology investigations. Realization of our specific aims will increase our understanding of the host-parasite relationship and the risk of infectious disease during space flight. To determine changes in the immune functions associated with space flight Astronauts live and work in a relatively crowded and stressful environment. Stresses integral to space flight, such as containment, isolation, space radiation, physical exertion, psychosocial interactions, anxiety, and sleep deprivation, can adversely affect astronaut health. Addition of microgravity to the list of stressors and one can see that space flight is a unique stress environment. Long duration exploration missions of the Moon and Mars require astronauts with fully functional and robust immune systems to reduce the development of infections and tumor cell. Successful completion of this investigation will result in a better understanding of the effects of space flight on an essential element of the human immune response. This will complete one more piece of the immunity puzzle in an effort to determine if long duration space flight results in adverse effects on the immune system. If medically significant changes occur, efforts to prevent or diminish adverse effects on the immune system will be investigated.

Research Impact/Earth Benefits:	The reductions in neutrophil, monocyte, and NK-cell functions are most probably the result of stress associated with space flight. We believe that space flight is a unique stress model, and new insight into the physiological effects of stress will result from these immunological studies. Perhaps, the asymptomatic changes in immune function observed in these studies may be helpful in determining clinically relevant thresholds in the human immune response.

Task Progress & Bibliography Information FY2005

Task Progress:

Exploration class human spaceflight missions will require astronauts with robust immune systems. Innate immunity will be an essential element for the healthcare maintenance of astronauts during these lengthy expeditions. This study investigated neutrophil phagocytosis, oxidative burst and degranulation of 25 astronauts after 4 space shuttle missions and in 9 healthy control subjects. Space flight duration ranged from 5 to 11-d. Blood specimens were obtained 10-d before launch, immediately after landing, and 3-d after landing. The number of neutrophils increased by 85% at landing compared to preflight levels. The mean values for phagocytosis of Escherichia coli and oxidative burst capacity in neutrophils from astronauts on the 5-d mission were not significantly different from those observed in neutrophils from the control subjects. Before and after 9 to 11-d missions, however, phagocytosis and oxidative burst capacities were significantly lower than control mean values. No consistent changes in degranulation or expression of surface markers were observed before or after any of the space missions. This study indicates that neutrophil phagocytic and oxidative functions are affected factors associated with space flight and this relationship may depend on mission duration. .

Bibliography:

Description: (Last Updated: 03/24/2020)

Show Cumulative Bibliography


Articles in Peer-reviewed Journals	Kaur I, Simons ER, Castro VA, Ott CM, Pierson DL. "Changes in monocyte functions of astronauts." Brain Behav Immun. 2005 Nov;19(6):547-54. PMID: 15908177 , Nov-2006

Presentation	Kaur, I., Simons, E.R., Fontenot, S.L., and Pierson, D.L. "Stresses of Spaceflight and the Response of Monocytes to LPS. " 11th Annual Meeting of the Psychoneuroimmunology Research Society. Titisee, Germany, May-2004

Back to Search Results

Project Title: Flight-Induced Changes in Immune Defenses-DSO 498

Reduce

Fiscal Year: FY 2004
Division: Human Research
Research Discipline/Element:
HRP HHC:Human Health Countermeasures

Start Date: 12/01/1997
End Date: 12/01/2004
Task Last Updated: 03/31/2006

Download report in PDF pdf

Principal Investigator/Affiliation: Pierson, Duane L Ph.D. / NASA Johnson Space Center

Address:

Mail Code SK24
Building 37, Room 1119A, 2101 NASA Parkway
Houston , TX 77058

Email: duane.l.pierson@nasa.gov
Phone: 281-483-7166
Congressional District: 22
Web:

Organization Type: NASA CENTER
Organization Name: NASA Johnson Space Center
Joint Agency:
Comments:

Project Information: Grant/Contract No. None

Responsible Center: NASA JSC Grant Monitor: McCollum, Suzanne Center Contact: 281 483-7307 suzanne.g.mccollum@nasa.gov Unique ID: 2382	Solicitation / Funding Source: 96-OLMSA-01 Grant/Contract No.: None Project Type: FLIGHT Flight Program: Pre/Post Flight TechPort: No	No. of Post Docs: 0 No. of PhD Candidates: 0 No. of Master's Candidates: 0 No. of Bachelor's Candidates: 0	No. of PhD Degrees: No. of Master's Degrees: No. of Bachelor's Degrees:

Human Research Program Elements:	(1) HHC:Human Health Countermeasures

Human Research Program Risks:	(1) Immune:Risk of Adverse Health Event Due to Altered Immune Response

Human Research Program Gaps:	(1) IM-101:Evaluate the effects of deep-space radiation on immune dysfunction, as an additional hazard to the effects of psychophysiological stress and weightlessness.

Flight Assignment/Project Notes:	STS-96, 95, 93, 107

Task Description:	Space flight may affect the delicate host-parasite relationship, thus increasing susceptibility to infectious disease. Changes in the human immune response during space flight suggest that the ability to meet infectious challenges may be attenuated. The early phases of the host response to infection depend on innate immunity in which a variety of innate resistance mechanisms recognize and respond to the presence of a pathogen. Innate immunity is present in all individuals at all times, does not increase with repeated exposure to a given pathogen, and does not discriminate between pathogens. Our hypothesis is: essential functions of neutrophils, monocytes, and natural killer (NK) cells will be altered during space flight. The constraints inherent in space flight (e.g., few subjects) mandated the use of ground-based models to supplement flight investigations. These models included a closed population in a closed environmental chamber and Antarctic expeditioners. These studies evaluated quantitative and functional data from important components of the immune response such as: neutrophils, monocytes, platelets, and natural killer cells. Our objectives are to determine the effects of space flight on: (1) neutrophil and monocyte functions such as phagocytosis, degranulation, oxidative burst capacity, and expression of surface molecules (including adhesion molecules), and (2) natural-killer cell and lymphokine-activated killer cell cytotoxicity against target cells, and cytokine production. Results from these studies provide essential data complementing other ongoing space immunology investigations. Realization of our specific aims will increase our understanding of the host-parasite relationship and the risk of infectious disease during space flight.

Research Impact/Earth Benefits:	The reductions in neutrophil, monocyte, and NK-cell functions are most probably the result of stress associated with space flight. We believe that space flight is a unique stress model, and new insight into the physiological effects of stress will result from these immunological studies. Perhaps, the asymptomatic changes in immune function observed in these studies may be helpful in determining clinically relevant thresholds in the human immune response.

Task Progress & Bibliography Information FY2004

Task Progress:

No progress report this period.

Bibliography:

Description: (Last Updated: 03/24/2020)

Show Cumulative Bibliography

None in FY 2004

Back to Search Results

Menu