Flow Cytometry Methods to Monitor Immune Dysregulation Associated with Spaceflight

摘要: Numerous studies have demonstrated that immune system dysregulation occurs both during and following spaceflight. The is inherently complex, there are many distinct subsets of cells, each with unique functional capabilities. Granulocytes phagocytose non-self particles, NK cells kill target in a nonspecific fashion, T specific B manufacture plasma antibodies. There other cell types which overlapping functions, all these populations communicate mediate their function via cytokine/chemokine crosstalk. Flow cytometry useful as versatile platform from the number potential may be evaluated. Percentages peripheral leukocyte directly measured by flow cytometry, well intracellular antigens, DNA content, inherent cellular characteristics. Additionally, culturing prior to analysis, various characteristics such activation marker expression, cytokine secretion, phagocytosis, killing measured. Using this versatility, used techniques investigate spaceflight-associated dysregulation. This chapter discusses assays shown identify alterations associated spaceflight newer techniques, use flight studies. development an in-flight cytometer for clinical research applications long duration space missions will also discussed.