Quantification of cytokine expression in Jurkat cells in function of space stressor exposure

Space environment differs from the environment that we are used to here on Earth. When astronauts get sent to space they have to adapt to several changes. These changes include reduced gravity, high doses of radiation and psychological stress. Data from multiple studies suggest that these paremeters affect the human immune system and alter the inflammatory response. Our main goal was to study the inflammatory response of the immune system in function of the above mentioned space stressors. Concretely, the effects concerning interleukine 2 production were evaluated using non-stimulated jurkat cells. Jurkat cells originate from a cancerous cell line of human T cells which properties ensure convenient in vitro cell culture. The different stressors were tested individually and in different combinations. The space environment was created by simulating altered gravity with a random positioning machine, irradiating the cells with space relevant doses of X-Rays and by the addition of hydrocortisol to the cell culture media. Quantification of secreted interleukine 2 was evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and gene expression was done by quantitative PCR. We found that microgravity is a disruptor for IL-2 production and that combinations of the stressors work counteractive. In addition our results indicate that there is an upregulation of IL-2 prodcution in response to irradiation and low stress. However, the biological relevance of this upregulation should be further studied. According to our findings we can conclude that the immune system is weakened under the influence of microgravity individually. In order to understand the mechanisms behind this alternation, further research should be performed.