Research Progress on Molecular Mechanisms of Exercise-Regulated Immunity

Abstract

Physical exercise exerts bidirectional effects on human immune system. This essay is written to demonstrate significant molecular mechanisms of the opposite immune regulations by physical activity. Epidemiologic evidence indicates that regular exercisers experience reduced risk of upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) and exhibit substantially lower incidence rates of certain cancers. Inversely, athletes who have undergone intense physical training, such as those who have participated in a marathon race. The incidence rate of URTI will increase significantly compared to that of ordinary people who did not participate in the competition during the same period. Through comprehensive literature review and analysis, this review synthesizes current knowledge on exercise-immune interactions. Main findings indicate the J model theory curve relationship between exercise intensity and infection risk of URTIs, demonstrating that moderate activity enhances immunosurveillance while prolonged high-intensity exercises may induce temporary immunosuppression. This article clearly explains the classic cellular pathways of immune regulation, achieving a combination of the macroscopic and the microscopic.  Serving as the scientific basis for individualized exercise prescriptions.