Immune and Respiratory Health in Lunar and Martian Environments

As human space exploration moves beyond low Earth orbit toward long-duration missions to the Moon and Mars, understanding the biological risks associated with these environments is essential. This project investigates how the unique conditions of space, including microgravity, radiation, planetary dust (regoliths), and altered microorganisms, affect the human immune system and respiratory health. Together, these factors may increase susceptibility to inflammation, infection, and tissue damage, posing significant challenges for astronaut health.

The research focuses on two complementary questions. First, it investigates how exposure to Lunar and Martian dust influences immune responses and the integrity of the respiratory epithelium. Second, it investigates how bacteria living in and on human body that survive under Mars-like conditions interact with the human immune system.

By integrating expertise in immunology, microbiology, and space biology, this project will provide an insightful assessment of the biological challenges associated with future human missions beyond Earth. Beyond space exploration, the project also advances our understanding of how environmental stressors influence immune function, inflammation, and host–microbe interactions.