2023-11-18 18:26:00
When temperatures drop in winter, the number of people with coughs, runny noses and respiratory infections also increases. The viruses that cause these symptoms circulate throughout the year. But why are they more successful in winter than in summer?
Immune response of the nose: This is how the body protects itself from viruses
In one Study, published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, researchers are investigating why respiratory infections have an easier time spreading in winter than in summer. The research team examined the immune response of the nose at low temperatures and provides the answer biological reasons.
Most pathogens that cause colds enter our body through the nose. They can be inhaled or reach the front part of the nose via smear transfer, for example from the hands. From there they spread and infect the upper respiratory tract. Already 2018 the research team had investigated how that immune system the Nose reacts to bacterial pathogens.
The cells of the nasal mucosa When bacteria invade, billions of tiny cells form extracellular vesicles (EV), bags filled with secretion that are supposed to surround the pathogens and render them harmless. The EV also contains antibacterial proteins that provide additional protection for the respiratory tract. In a new one Study The researchers want to find out to what extent the nose’s immune response to bacteria can also be transferred to viruses and what role this plays Temperature the nose plays.
Influences of winter: This is how low temperatures affect the immune response
The team of researchers examined the reaction of nasal tissue samples from three different types of viruses that cause colds: the coronavirus and two rhinoviruses. They were able to observe that the swarming reaction of the extracellular vesicles also occurs through contact with Viruses is triggered. The Immune reaction However, it is triggered differently than with bacteria and also the EV turn out differently. These are with specific receptors occupied, to which the special viruses following Key-lock principle docking. The vesicles intercept the viruses.
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The research team wanted to clarify whether there is a connection between the immune response of the nasal mucosa and the winter cold waves. To do this, test subjects had to stay at 4 degrees Celsius for 15 minutes. The researchers then measured the Indoor temperature the nose and thus determined a temperature that they transferred to the cells of the nasal mucosa samples in the laboratory.
It turned out that the cooled nasal mucosa cells released almost 42 percent fewer vesicles than at a warmer ambient temperature. The Immune reaction was caused by the temperature difference very much weakened. The research team thus provided a new approach to justify higher cold rates in winter.
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