immuneDiagrams R data and code package

Scope

This R package contains code and data for reproducing the analysis and figures in the publication:

Kartaram, et al., 2024, Markers for Immunological Resilience: Effects of Moderate- and High-Intensity Endurance Exercise on the Kinetic Response of Leukocyte Subsets, (accepted for publication in Clinical/translational Immunology)

Abstract

The kinetic responses of leukocyte subsets to exercise and its recovery might serve as an indicator for immunological resilience. The purpose of this study was to investigate the time-dependent response of different subsets of leukocytes in healthy young men to exercise by applying a bicycle ergometer test. Fifteen recreationally active male cyclists (20-35 years, VO2max 56.9 3.9 ml kg1 min1) performed in a cross-over design 4 exercise protocols of 1-h duration: at 70% maximal workload (Wmax) in a hydrated and a mildly dehydrated state, at 50% Wmax, and intermittently at 85/55% Wmax in blocks of 2 min. Numbers of lymphocytes, monocytes, neutrophils, eosinophils, basophils, thrombocytes and NK cells (CD16 and CD56) were measured at different timepoints up to 24 h post-exercise. Data were analyzed using a multilevel mixed linear model with multiple test correction. Total leucocyte numbers and that of most subsets increased from the start of exercise, reaching maximum levels at 30 - 60 minutes during exercise. Neutrophil numbers, however, peaked 3 hours post-exercise. CD16brightCD56dim NK cells showed a 1.5 fold more increase compared to CD16brightCD56bright NK cells. Other than for MCP-1, no significant differences were found in serum cytokine levels. Our findings show that exercise intensity is reflected in different time-dependent changes of leukocyte subsets and support the concept that the exchange of immune cells between peripheral blood and tissues contributes to enhanced immune surveillance during strenuous exercise.

Installation

Run the following code in R to install the {immune_diagrams} package:

install.packages("pak") pak::pkg_install("uashogeschoolutrecht/kinetics") pak::pkg_install("uashogeschoolutrecht/immuneDiagrams")

or run in a terminal:

git clone https://github.com/uashogeschoolutrecht/immune_diagrams

and in R

install.packages("pak") pak::pkg_install("uashogeschoolutrecht/kinetics") pak::local_install() This last step will install the package locally from the github clone.

Features