The link between psychological stress and a weakening of immune defenses is a major subject of study. Recently, researchers from the Marseille-Luminy Immunology Center, led by Sophie Ugolini, identified the precise mechanisms by which stress compromises our immune system. This discovery, published in the Journal of Experimental Medicinecould open the way to new therapeutic approaches to counter the harmful effects of stress on health.
Stress and its effects on the immune system
For several years, research has suggested that stress can reduce the effectiveness of the immune system. The new discoveries of Sophie Ugolini’s team provide a biological explanation for this phenomenon. The researchers focused their attention on β2-adrenergic receptors, which are specifically linked to stress hormones like adrenaline and norepinephrine. These receptors play a key role in the body’s response to stress.
A revealing study on mice
To explore these mechanisms, the researchers reproduced a situation of chronic stress in mice by exposing them to a molecule similar to stress hormones for a week. They were then infected with cytomegalovirus (MCMV), a virus from the herpes family. The results showed that stressed mice had a much higher mortality rate (90%) compared to non-stressed mice (50%).
In parallel, the team examined mice genetically modified to lack β2-adrenergic receptors. These mice showed better resistance to viral infection, with survival of 90% compared to 50% for control mice. These observations suggest that the stimulation of β2-adrenergic receptors by stress hormones plays a crucial role in the weakening of immune defenses.
A better understanding of immune mechanisms
The researchers also analyzed the immune response of mice lacking β2-adrenergic receptors. They observed an increase in the production of inflammatory cytokines, essential molecules for fighting viral infections. Specifically, β2-adrenergic receptors inhibit the response of Natural Killer (NK) cells, which are crucial for virus elimination.
Sophie Ugolini explains: “We have demonstrated that stress hormones, by binding to β2-adrenergic receptors, reduce the immune response by reducing the production of inflammatory cytokines necessary for the elimination of viruses. » These results pave the way for potential therapies that could target β2-adrenergic receptors to mitigate the effects of stress on the immune system.
Therapeutic perspectives and prevention
The implications of these findings are significant. By targeting β2-adrenergic receptors, it may be possible to develop treatments to strengthen immune defenses in people exposed to high levels of stress. This could also lead to prevention strategies to reduce the negative impacts of stress on overall health.
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