The mucosal immune system of the upper respiratory tract and recent progress in mucosal vaccines

A traditional Japanese herbal (Kampo) medicine, Hochuekkito (Bu-Zhong-Yi-Qi-Tang in Chinese, TJ-41) is a well-known Kampo formula, and has been found to enhance antigen-specific antibody response in not only local mucosal immune system in upper respiratory tract, but also systemic immune system through upper respiratory mucosal immune system. Although this immunopharmacological effect has been proposed to express by modulation of intestinal immune system including Peyer's patches and intestinal epithelial cells, active ingredients are not known. TJ-41 directly affected the production of bone marrow cell-proliferative growth factors from murine Peyer's patch immunocompetent cellsin vitro. Among low molecular, intermediate size and macromolecular weight fractions prepared from TJ-41, only fraction containing macromolecular weight ingredients showed Peyer's patch-mediated bone marrow cell-proliferation enhancing activity. Anion-exchange chromatography and gel filtration gave 17 subfractions comprising polysaccharides and lignins from the macromolecular weight fraction of TJ-41, and some of the subfractions showed significant enhancing activities having different degrees. Some of the subfractions also expressed stimulating activity on G-CSF-production from colonic epithelial cells, and statistically significant positive correlation was observed among enhancing activities of the subfractions against Peyer's patch immunocompetent cells and epithelial cells. Among the fractions from TJ-41 oral administration of macromolecular weight ingredient fraction to mice succeeded to enhance antigen-specific antibody response in systemic immune system through upper respiratory mucosal immune system, but all the separated fractions failed to enhance thein vivoantibody response in upper respiratory tract.

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Outdoor Activity: Benefits and Risks to Recreational Runners during the COVID-19 Pandemic

Kesmas National Public Health Journal ◽

10.21109/kesmas.v0i0.5223 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Aswar Makruf ◽

Doni Hikmat Ramdhan

Keyword(s):

Physical Activity ◽

Immune System ◽

Respiratory Tract ◽

Physiological Stress ◽

Physical Distance ◽

The Body ◽

Upper Respiratory Tract ◽

Strenuous Activity ◽

Open Window ◽

Upper Respiratory

Running has become one of the most popular recreational sports worldwide. It is an easily accessible form of exercise as there are minimal equipment and sport structure requirements. Aerodynamic simulation experiments showed a risk of droplet exposure between runners when two people run in a straight line at a close distance (slipstream). Thus, running activities require a safe physical distance of 10 meters to avoid droplet exposure, which can be a source of transmission of COVID-19 infection. However, running outdoors during the COVID-19 pandemic is still often done in pairs and even in groups without wearing a mask. Open window theory stated that changes in the immune system occur immediately after strenuous physical activity. Many immune system components showed adverse changes after prolonged strenuous activity lasting more than 90 minutes. These changes occurred in several parts of the body, such as the skin, upper respiratory tract, lungs, blood, and muscles. Most of these changes reflected physiological stress and immunosuppression. It is thought that an “open window” of the compromised immune system occurs in the 3–72-hour period after vigorous physical exercise, where viruses and bacteria can gain a foothold, increasing the risk of infection, particularly in the upper respiratory tract. Outdoor physical activity positively affects psychological, physiological, biochemical health parameters, and social relationships. However, this activity requires clear rules so that the obtained benefits can be more significant while simultaneously minimizing the risk of transmission of COVID-19 infection.

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Whole Cell Euglena Gracilis Supplementation Reduces Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Symptoms in Healthy Adults (P19-009-19)

Current Developments in Nutrition ◽

10.1093/cdn/nzz049.p19-009-19 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (Supplement_1) ◽

Author(s):

Janaki Iyer ◽

Paul Falcone ◽

Kelli Herrlinger ◽

Joanne Lasrado ◽

Emily Pankow Fritz ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Immune System ◽

Respiratory Tract ◽

Euglena Gracilis ◽

Illness Severity ◽

Healthy Adults ◽

Upper Respiratory Tract ◽

Whole Cell ◽

Increased Risk ◽

Upper Respiratory ◽

Tract Infections

Abstract Objectives Upper respiratory tract infections (URTI) cause cold and flu-like symptoms, with roughly 70% of the general population experiencing at least one episode annually. The resultant lost productivity has a drastic impact with an estimated 40 M work or school days missed each year, translating to over $40B USD in lost potential. Certain populations, such as athletes and stressed workers are at an increased risk of URTIs. While diet, sleep, low stress and exercise are all important for a healthy functioning immune system, supplementation with natural ingredients could provide additional support. Euglena gracilis is a nutrient-rich natural microalgae (commonly consumed in Japan), containing immunomodulating beta 1,3-glucans, protein, some essential vitamins, and minerals. This double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel study aimed at investigating the immunomodulating effects of a patented whole cell algae fermentate (WCF) in healthy active adults. Methods Thirty-four, healthy, active (1.5–3 hours/day of an aerobic sport, 5–6 days/week) participants were randomized to either WCF or placebo for 90 days. URTI symptoms were assessed Day (D) 1 to 90 using the Wisconsin Upper Respiratory Symptom Survey. Data are shown for the a priori defined per protocol population (n = 27). Results Participants supplemented with WCF reported a lower number of URTI symptoms from D1 to 30 (P = 0.042) and from D1 to 90 (P = 0.029), lower mean number of sick days between D1 and 30 (P = 0.047) and D1 and 90 (P = 0.041), lower mean number of URTI episodes per person (P = 0.032), and lower mean number of days with at least 1 reported URTI symptom per person (P = 0.019) between D1 and 90 compared to taking placebo. Evaluation of global illness severity found that the mean total AUC for daily symptoms was significantly lower in the WCF group compared to placebo at D1 to D30 (P = 0.043) and D1 to D90 (P = 0.049). Conclusions Supplementation with WCF positively influences the immune system by reducing URTI incidence, duration, and severity in healthy adults. It is noteworthy that in the absence of the intervention, active young adults reported more URTI episodes, sick days, and global illness severity, respectively. These data suggest the ability of WCF supplementation to strengthen the immune response as evidenced by reduced cold and flu symptoms. Funding Sources Kemin Foods L.C.

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Upper Respiratory Tract Infections in Sport and the Immune System Response. A Review

Biology ◽

10.3390/biology10050362 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (5) ◽

pp. 362

Author(s):

Antonio Cicchella ◽

Claudio Stefanelli ◽

Marika Massaro

Keyword(s):

Immune System ◽

Respiratory Tract ◽

Respiratory Tract Infections ◽

Upper Respiratory Tract Infections ◽

System Response ◽

Upper Respiratory Tract ◽

Upper Respiratory ◽

Immune System Response ◽

Tract Infections ◽

Heavy Training

Immunity is the consequence of a complex interaction between organs and the environment. It is mediated the interaction of several genes, receptors, molecules, hormones, cytokines, antibodies, antigens, and inflammatory mediators which in turn relate and influence the psychological health. The immune system response of heavily trained athletes resembles an even more complex conditions being theorized to follow a J or S shape dynamics at times. High training loads modify the immune response elevating the biological markers of immunity and the body susceptibility to infections. Heavy training and/or training in a cold environment increase the athletes’ risk to develop Upper Respiratory Tract Infections (URTIs). Therefore, athletes, who are considered healthier than the normal population, are in fact more prone to infections of the respiratory tract, due to lowering of the immune system in the time frames subsequent heavy training sessions. In this revision we will review the behavioral intervention, including nutritional approaches, useful to minimize the “open window” effect on infection and how to cope with stressors and boost the immune system in athletes.

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Innate Immune Responses to Influenza Virus Infections in the Upper Respiratory Tract

Viruses ◽

10.3390/v13102090 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 13 (10) ◽

pp. 2090

Author(s):

Edin J. Mifsud ◽

Miku Kuba ◽

Ian G. Barr

Keyword(s):

Influenza Virus ◽

Immune System ◽

Epithelial Cells ◽

Immune Responses ◽

Respiratory Tract ◽

Innate Immune System ◽

Innate Immune ◽

Upper Respiratory Tract ◽

Adaptive Immune ◽

Upper Respiratory

The innate immune system is the host’s first line of immune defence against any invading pathogen. To establish an infection in a human host the influenza virus must replicate in epithelial cells of the upper respiratory tract. However, there are several innate immune mechanisms in place to stop the virus from reaching epithelial cells. In addition to limiting viral replication and dissemination, the innate immune system also activates the adaptive immune system leading to viral clearance, enabling the respiratory system to return to normal homeostasis. However, an overzealous innate immune system or adaptive immune response can be associated with immunopathology and aid secondary bacterial infections of the lower respiratory tract leading to pneumonia. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms utilised by the innate immune system to limit influenza virus replication and the damage caused by influenza viruses on the respiratory tissues and how these very same protective immune responses can cause immunopathology.

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Recurrent Infections

Pediatrics in Review ◽

10.1542/pir.11.6.180 ◽

1989 ◽

Vol 11 (6) ◽

pp. 180-182

Author(s):

Richard Hong

Keyword(s):

Immune System ◽

Respiratory Tract ◽

Respiratory Tract Infections ◽

Respiratory Infections ◽

Upper Respiratory Tract Infections ◽

Upper Respiratory Tract ◽

Recurrent Infections ◽

Recurrent Respiratory Infections ◽

Upper Respiratory ◽

Tract Infections

Recurrent infections constitute a major challenge to primary care physicians. Primary immunodeficiency or other alterations of the host defense system are extremely rare. In the case of recurrent respiratory infections, particularly of the lungs, a diagnosis will result much more often from ordering a sweat chloride test than a serum immunoglobulin level. RECURRENT RESPIRATORY INFECTIONS The major reason for referral to our clinic for investigation of the immune system is a complaint of too many upper respiratory tract infections. Each respiratory infection in a young child means loss of sleep for child and parents, expenditure of time at the physician's office, and possible loss of income in addition to the expense of medication and office visits. The child is often irritable and his or her misery clouds the home atmosphere. With repeated episodes of this sort each year, it is small wonder that parents want relief. The average number of upper respiratory tract infections experienced by healthy children is approximately 9 to 10 per year. At least 100 viruses can cause the common cold. Accordingly, even when a child has a normal immune system establishing immunity to each virus or virus subtype, it can take many years for a broad enough immunity to develop to diminish the frequency of infection due to newly encountered respiratory viruses.

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Habitual cold-water swimming and upper respiratory tract infection

Rhinology Journal ◽

10.4193/rhin21.068 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 0 (0) ◽

pp. 0-0

Author(s):

N. Collier ◽

M. Lomax ◽

M. Harper ◽

M. Tipton ◽

H. Massey

Keyword(s):

Immune System ◽

Tract Infection ◽

Respiratory Tract ◽

Cold Water ◽

Water Immersion ◽

Stress Hormones ◽

Cold Water Immersion ◽

Upper Respiratory Tract ◽

Short Term ◽

Upper Respiratory

It has long been claimed that non-wetsuit cold water swimming (CWS) benefits health (1), and anecdotally cold-water swimmers claimed to suffer fewer and milder infections, though this was not directly measured. A boost to immunity is biologically plausible: stress hormones are released during cold-water immersion (2), and short-term stress may ready the immune system for injury or infection (3). However, very few studies have investigated immune system markers and/or actual illness in habitual cold-water swimmers.

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