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Experiment/Payload OverviewBrief Summary
The Space Flight-Induced Reactivation of Latent Epstein-Barr Virus (Epstein-Barr) experiment performs tests to study changes in the human immune function using blood and urine samples collected before and after space flight. The study will provide insight for possible countermeasures to prevent the potential development of infectious illness in crewmembers during flight.
Principal Investigator
Payload Developer
Johnson Space Center, Human Research Program, Houston, TX, United States
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Sponsoring Organization:Exploration Systems Mission Directorate (ESMD)
ISS Expedition Duration:June 2002 - October 2008
Expeditions Assigned
5, 6, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17
Previous ISS MissionsEpstein-Barr was performed during ISS Expeditions 5, 6 and 11 - 17.
Experiment/Payload Description
Research Summary
- As space flight mission durations increase, the potential development of infectious illness in crewmembers during flight also increases. This is especially true with latent viruses (viruses that lie dormant in cells, such as herpes viruses that cause cold sores) and infections caused by these viruses which are not mitigated by a quarantine period.
- An example of a latent infection is Epstein-Barr virus, of which approximately 90 percent of the adult population is infected. Stress and other acute/chronic events reactivate this virus from latency, which results in increased virus replication.
- Space Flight-Induced Reactivation of Latent Epstein-Barr Virus (Epstein-Barr) will assess the immune system response to this virus using blood and urine samples collected before and after space flight.
In the United States, approximately 95% of adults have been infected with Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), one of the most common of human viruses and a member of the herpes virus family. EBV is an initial infection that establishes a lifelong dormant infection inside the body that can be reactivated by illness or stress. Once active, EBV causes infectious mononucleosis, cancers, and other disorders associated with the lymphatic system in people with a compromised immune system.
The decreased cellular immune function experienced by astronauts in space flight is likely caused by a combination of the microgravity environment and the stresses associated
with a mission. With longer-duration missions, it is hypothesized that latent viruses are more likely to be reactivated, placing the crew at risk of developing and spreading infectious illnesses and jeopardizing the mission. Preliminary studies of astronauts have shown increased EBV shedding (the means by which viruses reproduce) in the saliva and increased antibody titers to the virus?s proteins.
Epstein-Barr examined levels to which the crews? immune systems were suppressed during space flight and identifying conditions under which the virus may reactivate. To conduct Epstein-Barr, investigators collected urine and blood samples preflight and again postflight. The samples were analyzed for the presence of stress hormones and cytokines (messengers of the immune system), EBV replication, and virus-specific T-cell immune function. Epstein-Barr used the levels to which the crews? immune systems are suppressed during space flight to determine conditions under which EBV may reactivate.
Applications
Space Applications
In the United States, approximately 90 percent of adults have been infected with Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), one of the most common human viruses. It establishes a lifelong dormant infection inside the body, but can be reactivated by illness or stress. Once active, it can cause infectious mononucleosis (also known as mono). Decreased cellular immune function is observed during and after human space flight. With longer duration space missions, latent viruses are more likely to become reactivated, placing the crew at risk of developing and spreading infectious illness. If this is the case, drug therapies must be created to protect crewmembers during long-term and interplanetary missions (i.e. trips to Mars). This study will help provide information related to immune function and virus activity in space to develop such remedies and ensure future exploratory space missions.
Earth ApplicationsThis type of study could shed more light on infectious diseases, how they are related to stress here on Earth and how they can be treated.
Operations
Operational Requirements
Epstein-Barr has no inflight requirements.
Operational ProtocolsThe investigators will collect urine and blood samples preflight at launch minus (L-180, L-44, L-10, and L-3) and again after flight return plus (landing day, R+3, R+14, and R+180) from Station expedition crews (starting with Expedition 5) for a total of 18 subjects. For Shuttle crews (starting with STS-108) samples will be collected preflight (L-180, L-65, L-10 and L-3) and again after flight (landing day, R+3, R+14 and R+180) for a total of 62 participants.
Results/More Information
This experiment has recently been completed. Data from subjects will be analyzed collectively before publishing results. Earlier studies during space shuttle missions, which were the predecessors to this one, suggested that virus reactivation results from decreased T-cell function. If Epstein-Barr yields similar results, it will allow for a very specific focus on developing drug therapies that will allow for more rapid treatment for space travelers as well as for those on Earth.
Related Web Sites
Publications
Ground Based Results Publications
ISS Patent Publications
Related Publications
- Stowe R P,Pierson D L,Barrett A D,Space flight-induced reactivation of latent Epstein-Barr virus Proceedings of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics 2001
- Stowe R P,Pierson D L,Barrett A D,Elevated stress hormone levels relate to Epstein-Barr virus reactivation in astronauts Psychosomatic Medicine 2001 63 891-895
- Stowe R P,Pierson D L,Feeback D L,Barrett A D,Stress-induced reactivation of Epstein-Barr virus in astronauts Neuroimmunomodulation 2000 8 51-58
- Sonnenfeld G ,The immune system in space and microgravity Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise 2002 34 2021-2027
- Pierson D L,Stowe R P,Phillips T M,Lugg D J,Mehta S K,Epstein-Barr Virus Shedding by Astronauts During Space Flight Brain, Behavior, and Immunity 2005 19 235-242
- Crucian B E,Stowe R P,Pierson D L,Sams C F,Immune System Dysregulation Following Short- vs Long-Duration Spaceflight Aviation, Space and Environmental Medicine 2008 79 835-843
Images
Epstein-Barr virus shown using the fluorescent antibody staining technique. + View Larger Image
A colored, computer generated depiction of an Epstein-Barr virus particle. + View Larger Image
If updates are needed to the summary please contact JSC-ISS-Program-Science-Group. For other general questions regarding space station research and technology, please feel free to call our help line at 281-244-6187 or e-mail at JSC-ISS-Payloads-Helpline.