ANTI-VIRAL T CELLS - The effect of microgravity on pre-stimulated anti-viral T cells activation: a possible application for up-front bio-banking

Immune-system dysregulation under microgravity may cause life-threatening diseases especially during long-term space mission. Here, we tested the ability to produce an autologous specific T cells bio-bank sent to space with astronauts. We intended to send stimulated cells, and test their ability to produce secondary stimulation on space, using same viral peptides. Cell activation was analyzed for their pre and post activation cytokine production and activation molecules. The study was conducted simultaneously on Earth to compare its environmental effect on cells function. The cells maintained their activation on space and we were prepared to produce ready to use autologous cells to treat astronauts upon medical need.