People impacted by harsh COVID lockdowns now have more erratic immune systems than those with more freedoms during the pandemic.
Researchers from Radbound University, in the Netherlands, found the lockdowns had a significant impact on people’s immune response to microorganisms.
Professor Mihai Netea said during the lockdown, inflammation level in the body was low, but afterwards, the immune system reacted more intensely to viruses and bacteria.
Professor Netea said in the study researchers exposed immune cells from the blood to microorganisms like viruses and bacteria in the lab and the immune system reacted much stronger than immune cells of individuals outside the lockdown.
“The hypothesis suggests that regular contact with microorganisms is beneficial because it keeps the immune system both active and tolerant at the same time,” he said.
“A lack of exposure to environmental factors might contribute to an immune system that overreacts, potentially leading to systemic reactions such as those encountered in inflammatory diseases and allergies.”
Professor Netea said people were usually constantly exposed to various micro-organisms in their daily lives.
He said this helped train the immune system, teaching it to recognize which microorganisms were dangerous and which were harmless.
“During the lockdown, we missed that interaction because everyone stayed home and avoided each other.
“As a result, during and immediately after the lockdown periods, immune cells exposed to micro-organisms displayed a less well-regulated response, predisposing to hyperinflammation.”
Professor Netea said the study also revealed that vaccines and a COVID-19 infection influenced the immune system’s response, but these effects were relatively small and short-lived.
“Lockdowns were necessary during the pandemic, especially at the beginning. However, it is important that we gain more insight into how social interactions affect and activate our immune system, so we can better manage the consequences.
“This way, we can apply such drastic social measures effectively and safely in a future pandemic.”
Read the full study: Impact of COVID-19, lockdowns and vaccination on immune responses in a HIV cohort in the Netherlands.
