COPD attenuates NK and TReg cell mobilization following high-intensity interval exercise

Introduction: COPD causes inflammation and alters circulating immune cell populations. In health, exercise mobilizes immune cells and promotes anti-inflammation. Aim: To determine the change in circulating immune cell subtypes in response to exercise in COPD and controls. Methods: Age- and sex-matched ex-smokers with (n=5) and without (n=4) COPD performed a single bout of high-intensity interval exercise (10x 1 min at 120% peak work rate, 2 min recovery). Venous blood was collected at baseline (BSL) and post-exercise (0, 30 and 120 min) to quantify 12 immune cell subtypes using multicolor flow cytometry. Two-way ANOVA (Dunnett’s posthoc) assessed the effects of time x group. Results: Leukocytes were increased (p Conclusion Exercise-induced leukocytosis was not different between COPD and controls. Exercise predominantly altered lymphoid cell fractions in both groups. However, exercise-induced increases in NK and TReg subtypes were absent in COPD. These data suggest that the potentially beneficial effects of exercise on immunosurveilance are attenuated in COPD. Support: TRDRP 28FT-001