1110-The Immunology of Exercise

The literature examines the immunology of exercise, detailing how physical activity functions as a systemic regulator of both innate and adaptive immunity. By synthesizing recent clinical and preclinical evidence, the text illustrates how muscle-derived factors called exerkines, such as IL-6 and lactate, coordinate with neuroendocrine signals to reshape immune cell trafficking and function. These biological shifts promote immunosurveillance and install durable anti-inflammatory programs, offering significant protection against chronic conditions like cardiovascular disease, autoimmunity, and cancer. Specifically, the research highlights how exercise-induced changes to the gut microbiota and bone marrow niches enhance the efficacy of cancer immunotherapies. Ultimately, the authors argue that mapping these precise molecular pathways will enable the development of targeted exercise prescriptions and therapeutic mimetics for patients with limited mobility.

References:

• Phelps C, Meisel M. The immunology of exercise: Mechanisms, mediators, and therapeutic opportunities. Immunity, 2026