Figure 1
From: Infection, inflammation and exercise in cystic fibrosis
Exercise-related immune responses. A single exercise session leads to immune activation and improved immune effector functions (left, upper panel), indicated by enhanced circulating levels of immune cells with an activated phenotype and enhanced production of immune modulatory peptides. Upon cessation of the exercise session, immune activation is followed by a tolerizing phase, which is characterized by reduced immune effector functions (left, lower panel). Immune cell levels return to normal or even below normal when the exercise session has been of high intensity and/ or duration. Immune cell responsiveness is reduced, indicated by a diminished production of immune modulatory peptides upon stimulation with ligands. Long-term changes induced by regular exercise result in immune dampening and improved immune effector functions, indicated by a reduced disease incidence and infection susceptibility (right).