Regular exercise reshapes the immune system at a cellular level, study suggests
Regular exercise makes our immune cells more vigilant, potentially contributing to better long-term health, a new study finds.
Regular physical activity alters the immune system at a cellular level, according to a new study published in the journal Science Advances. Researchers analyzed data from over 400 adults who participated in the Chinese Immune Multi-omics Atlas (CIMA) and found distinct differences between individuals who exercised regularly and those with sedentary lifestyles.
The study, which utilized a multiomics approach incorporating data from metabolites, fats, proteins, RNA, and chromatin accessibility, revealed that regular exercisers had more active cytotoxic T cells, natural killer cells, and naive immune cells. These immune cells were found to have increased chromatin accessibility in genes related to fighting off threats, making them more prepared to respond to potential dangers.
Additionally, immune monocytes and B cells in regularly exercising individuals exhibited increased expression of alarm-sounding genes. While the study's findings suggest that regular physical activity may enhance the immune system's ability to defend against potential threats, the researchers acknowledged the limitations of their study, such as the lack of information on the type and intensity of exercise and the inability to definitively prove causation.
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