Immune responses to human pathogens exposed to simulated Mars conditions

The identification of health risks associated with long-term crewed missions to Mars is critical for mission planning and crew safety. Human-associated pathogens can be part of the microbiome and are likely to be transported during these missions. This study examines the immunological responses of human immune cells stimulated with non-fastidious bacterial species that cause opportunistic infections, i.e. Klebsiella pneumoniae and Serratia marcescens , after exposure to simulated Martian conditions, including UV radiation, desiccation and atmospheric pressure. We observed that exposure of the bacteria to these conditions altered cytokine secretion, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and phagocytic activity in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs). Specifically, exposure to desiccation reduced cytokines and ROS production, indicating impaired innate immune recognition and stimulation. Notably, the altered immune response was partially restored when desiccated bacteria were regrown in standard media. Flow cytometry revealed decreased bacterial size and complexity of both species post-exposure. These findings indicate that Martian conditions induce bacterial morphological and physiological changes, which could impair immune recognition and response. Expanding these studies to in vivo models and a broader range of potentially pathogenic microorganisms is essential to estimate infection risks during Mars missions, which is vital for developing strategies to mitigate infection risks and maintain astronaut health during long-term space travel.