depended on the activation state of the cells. Cells in all conditions showed metabolic activity,
indicating that they were alive. Cells that were activated in microgravity did not demonstrate
any increases in antibody or cytokine production; however, if the cells were activated prior to
exposure to microgravity, they did demonstrate such responses. These results indicated that
microgravity suppresses humoral immune responses in a not dissimilar fashion to that of
Human Immunodeficiency Virus on Earth, and that this phenomenon may reflect immune
dysfunction observed in crew members during spaceflights (Fitzgerald 2006).
CBOSS-FDI
For CBOSS-FDI, a series of procedures was performed on Expeditions 8, 10, and 12 to optimize
particle mixing and bubble removal. A mixing protocol for particles has been found that appears
to be effective and time-efficient, and crew feedback has been very valuable in these studies.
Two bubble removal methods were tested. Future experiments will help determine their
effectiveness, and a protocol for bubble removal can be created for future tissue culture
investigations. This investigation is critical for optimizing cell culture in space and ensuring the
success of future investigations.
PUBLICATION(S)
Fitzgerald W, Chen S, Walz C, Zimmerberg J, Margolis L, Grivel J. Immune suppression of human
lymphoid tissues and cells in rotating suspension culture and onboard the International Space
Station. Society for In Vitro Biology. July 16, 2009;45:622-632. doi: 10.1007/s11626- 009 -9225-2.
Hammond DK, Elliott TF, Holubec K, et al. Proteomic retrieval from nucleic acid Depleted space-
flown human cells. Gravitational and Space Biology. 2006;19(2).
Hammond DK, Becker JL, Elliott TF, Holubec K, Baker TL, Love JE. Antigenic protein in
microgravity-grown human mixed mullerian ovarian tumor (LN-1) cells preserved in a RNA
stabilizing agent. Gravitational and Space Biology. 2005;18(2): 99-100.
This investigation is complete; however additional results are pending publication.