Exposure to the spaceflight environment has been shown to alter human immune function, but it is unclear at present if such alterations lead to increased susceptibility to disease. The reactivation of latent viruses has been documented in crewmembers and appears to be correlated with immune changes. These immune changes persist for the duration of a 6-month orbital flight; alterations to the immune function due to long-duration missions is unknown.
Directed Acyclic Graph Files
+ DAG File Information (HSRB Home Page)
+ Immune Risk DAG and Narrative (PDF)
Human Research Program
+ Risk of Adverse Health Event Due To Altered Immune Response