During space flight human physiology and health are affected by complex environmental
challenges which might be most pronounced by extended periods during interplanetary
missions. Adequate immune response is crucial to maintain health. To our knowledge
the influence of stressful conditions of psychological or physical nature can activate
and/or paralyse humans’ innate or specific immunity. Previous findings from terrestrial
studies as well as from pre -and post space-flight studies and first preliminary data
from the ISS indicate a strong interaction between stress-associated, neural and endocrine
mediators and the immune system. Moreover, this complex communication among immune
cells is also mediated by the ANS, tissue hormones e.g. derived from the cells´ metabolism
and other hormone-like substances altogether modulating the stress response. The ESA
sponsored Topical Team has been working since 2007 to develop integrative theories
and suggestions to open up a better understanding of stress - organ interactions with
the goal to set -up new preventive or therapeutic strategies to protect from and to
treat stress-associated immune and health alterations in space. According to the overall
scopes, the TT aims to address and identify-in an interdisciplinary and more holistic
approach-the role and impact of stressful conditions occurring in space or in future
extra-terrestrial habitats. Also it will be reported how the Topical Team has pursued
with other invited international experts the development of technical tools and approaches
to help assessing the individual´s homeostasis under stressful condition, always keeping–beyond
applications for space- also an application for Earth in the focus as well.
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© 2015 Published by Elsevier Inc.