TRIPLE LUX-B: PHAGOCYTOSIS IN MUSSEL HEMOCYTES

摘要

The TRIPLELUX-B Experiment contributes to risk assessment concerning immunotoxicity under space flight conditions. The assay system of the TRIPLELUX-B Experiment will be performed with a well defined quantification and evaluation of the immune function phagocytosis. The indicator cells are the hemocytes of blue mussels (Mytilus edulis) and oysters (Crassostrea gigas). The signals of the immuno cellular responses are translated into luminescence as a rapid optical reporter system. The results expected will allow to conclude whether the observed responses are caused by microgravity and/or radiation. The immune system of invertebrates has not been studied so far in space. The choice of the phagocytes from invertebrates is justified by the claim to study the universal validity of innate immune responses. The components of the phagocytosis test system for the BIOLAB are now established under terrestrial conditions. The next step for adaptation to the BIOLAB conditions and hardware is in progress.