Adaptive immunity and spaceflight

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. Potential causes for these alterations are discussed elsewhere in this volume (Chap. 11), as are spaceflight effects on the function of the innate immune system (Chap. 12).