Discrimination and Immune Function: How Social Stress Impacts Health

Experiencing discrimination, even in everyday interactions, can have a significant impact on physical health, extending beyond psychological stress to affect the immune system. New research reveals a link between perceived discrimination and the accumulation of “exhausted” white blood cells, potentially hindering the body’s ability to fight off illness. This connection underscores how social stressors can grow biologically embedded, contributing to long-term health challenges.

The Link Between Discrimination and Immune Cell Exhaustion

A study published in the journal Brain, Behavior, & Immunity – Health examined data from over 6,300 adults over the age of 50 participating in the Health and Retirement Study. Researchers at NYU School of Global Public Health combined survey responses about experiences with “everyday discrimination” – instances of unfair treatment based on factors like race, gender, or economic status – with blood samples analyzed for biomarkers of immune system activity. [1]

The findings indicate that individuals who frequently experience discrimination exhibit higher levels of specific types of exhausted white blood cells, namely CD4+ TEMRA and CD8+ TEMRA T cells, and IgD− memory B cells. These cells, having been repeatedly activated, demonstrate diminished functionality and a reduced capacity to mount robust immune responses. [2]

How Does Discrimination Impact the Immune System?

Stress, particularly chronic stress, is known to alter immune system function, weakening its defenses. Interpersonal discrimination, through subtle slights, disrespect, or exclusion, is increasingly recognized as a significant source of chronic stress. [3] Scientists hypothesize that repeated activation of the body’s stress responses due to discrimination leads to “weathering,” a gradual deterioration of health. [2]

While previous research has focused on the connection between discrimination and inflammation – measured by biomarkers like C-reactive protein – this study delves into the impact of discriminatory stress on the adaptive immune system, which involves infection-fighting T and B cells. [2]

Understanding Immune Cell Function

The study differentiated between “naïve” T and B cells and “terminally differentiated” cells. The accumulation of exhausted cells was observed only in the terminally differentiated populations, indicating that the impact of discrimination isn’t simply an increase in immune cell numbers, but a shift towards less functional cells. [1]

Implications for Health Disparities

“This study builds upon well-established research linking experiences of discrimination to systemic inflammation, revealing yet another way that psychosocial stressors become embodied and may contribute to age-related disease processes,” says Adolfo Cuevas, associate professor of social and behavioral sciences at NYU School of Global Public Health and the study’s senior author. [1]

Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for addressing health disparities and promoting equitable healthcare. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the connection between discrimination and immune system function, but these findings highlight the importance of addressing social determinants of health to improve overall well-being.

Key Takeaways

• Experiencing everyday discrimination is linked to higher levels of “exhausted” white blood cells.
• This exhaustion impairs the immune system’s ability to fight off illness.
• Discrimination-related stress can lead to a gradual deterioration of health, known as “weathering.”
• Addressing social stressors is crucial for promoting equitable healthcare and reducing health disparities.

Source: NYU School of Global Public Health [2]