Rewiring the Immune System: The Effects of Low Oxygen
Researchers at the University of Edinburgh have discovered that brief periods of hypoxia, such as those experienced at high altitudes or during illness, can reprogram bone marrow progenitors.
This reprogramming results in the creation of neutrophils that are less effective at fighting bacteria, leaving a lasting "memory" in the immune system that can persist for months after the initial exposure to low oxygen.
The damage from low oxygen levels can outlast the expedition, weakening bacterial defense for months after descent.
The study's findings have significant implications for our understanding of how low oxygen levels can impact the immune system, even after the initial exposure has ended.
Author's summary: Low oxygen reprograms immune cells.