The Impact of Climate Change on the Immune System and Health

Overview of Climate Change Effects on Human Health

Climate change is increasingly recognized as a critical issue affecting global health. The consequences of climate change extend beyond environmental degradation; they encompass significant public health challenges, including the modulation of immune responses and the exacerbation of various diseases. The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts that climate change could cause an additional 250,000 deaths annually between 2030 and 2050, primarily due to malnutrition, malaria, diarrhea, and heat stress (Imberti et al., 2025). Such statistics underscore the urgent need to understand the intricate relationship between climate change, the immune system, and overall health.

The connection between environmental factors and immune system dysfunction is multifaceted. Changes in temperature, humidity levels, and air quality can disrupt immune homeostasis, leading to increased susceptibility to infections and autoimmune diseases. Elevated temperatures, for instance, can impair the functionality of immune cells, altering cytokine production and exacerbating inflammatory responses (Imberti et al., 2025). Additionally, climate change can compromise epithelial barriers in organs such as the skin and lungs, leading to microbial dysbiosis and immune dysregulation.

The Connection Between Temperature Changes and Immune Response

Temperature fluctuations are a significant factor in immune response modulation. Research has shown that a rise in body temperature can enhance the immune response during febrile conditions, while excessive thermal stress can lead to detrimental effects, including hyperactivity of the immune system. Pro-inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-6 and TNF-α, are known to increase in response to elevated temperatures, leading to heightened inflammation (Imberti et al., 2025).

In a study involving over 35,000 outpatients, a 1°C increase in body temperature was associated with a 3.5% increase in mortality after one year, highlighting the impact of thermal stress on health (Imberti et al., 2025). Furthermore, the immune response to pathogens is significantly influenced by ambient temperatures. For example, exposure to high temperatures has been shown to enhance the trafficking of T cells to inflamed tissues, while also affecting the proliferation and activation of immune cells (Imberti et al., 2025).

Table 1: Summary of Temperature Effects on Immune Function

Drug-Induced Renal Vasculitis: Causes and Clinical Implications

Drug-induced renal vasculitis is an autoimmune condition characterized by inflammation of the renal vasculature due to specific medications. Common drugs implicated include antibiotics, anti-TNF agents, and certain antihypertensives (Siraj et al., 2025). Clinical manifestations can range from mild constitutional symptoms to severe renal impairment, often requiring immediate discontinuation of the offending agent.

The diagnosis of drug-induced renal vasculitis is challenging due to its clinical similarity to primary ANCA-associated vasculitis (AAV). Renal biopsy remains the gold standard for diagnosis, often revealing necrotizing glomerulonephritis with crescent formation (Siraj et al., 2025). The prognosis is generally more favorable than for primary vasculitis, with a high rate of remission following the cessation of the offending medication.

Table 2: Common Drugs Associated with Drug-Induced Renal Vasculitis

The Role of Glycosylation in Asthma and Immune Function

Glycosylation is a crucial post-translational modification that significantly influences the immune response, particularly in asthma. This process involves the covalent attachment of sugar molecules to proteins, affecting their stability, localization, and interactions. In asthma, glycosylation of key mediators, such as interleukins and immunoglobulins, plays a pivotal role in modulating airway inflammation and hyperresponsiveness (Yuan et al., 2025).

For instance, alterations in the glycosylation patterns of IgE can affect its binding to high-affinity receptors on mast cells and basophils, leading to enhanced allergic responses. Moreover, glycosylation of cytokines like IL-4 and IL-13 influences their biological activity and interaction with receptors, which is critical in the Th2 inflammatory pathway characteristic of asthma (Yuan et al., 2025). Understanding these mechanisms provides insights into potential therapeutic targets for asthma management.

Table 3: Impact of Glycosylation on Asthma Pathogenesis

Managing Pulmonary Hypertension in Pregnant Women: Challenges and Strategies

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) poses significant risks during pregnancy, with maternal mortality rates as high as 30-56% in severe cases (Imberti et al., 2025). Recent advancements in multidisciplinary care have improved outcomes, with mortality rates decreasing to 2.5-5.6% in some cohorts. However, the management of pregnant women with PH remains complex due to the hemodynamic changes that occur during pregnancy.

Current guidelines recommend a thorough risk assessment, including monitoring NT-proBNP levels and right heart function, to guide management strategies. For women with well-controlled PH, individualized care plans can optimize maternal and fetal outcomes. However, the decision to continue or terminate pregnancy must consider the severity of PH, maternal health status, and fetal maturity (Imberti et al., 2025).

Table 4: Management Strategies for Pregnant Women with PH

FAQ

What is the relationship between climate change and the immune system?

Climate change can disrupt immune homeostasis through temperature fluctuations, which affect immune cell function and increase susceptibility to infections.

How does temperature affect immune responses?

Elevated temperatures can enhance immune activation during fever but excessive heat can impair immune function, leading to increased inflammation and susceptibility to diseases.

What are the signs of drug-induced renal vasculitis?

Signs include renal impairment, systemic symptoms, and the presence of autoantibodies like ANCDiagnosis is confirmed through renal biopsy.

How does glycosylation influence asthma?

Glycosylation affects the binding and activity of key cytokines and immunoglobulins in asthma, modulating inflammation and immune response.

What management strategies are recommended for pregnant women with pulmonary hypertension?

A multidisciplinary approach is essential, including careful monitoring of maternal health, individualized treatment plans, and consideration of the timing of delivery.

References

1. Imberti, L., Tiecco, G., Logiudice, J., Castelli, F., & Quiros‐Roldan, E. (2025). Effects of Climate Change on the Immune System: A Narrative Review. Health Science Reports

2. Siraj, H., Masab, A., Sharma, S. S., Begum, A., Ahmad, M. H., & Kamel, R. K. (2025). Drug‐Induced Renal Vasculitis: Etiology, Pathogenesis, Clinical Manifestations, and Therapeutic Approaches—A Narrative Review. Health Science Reports

3. Yuan, X., Li, C., Gao, J., Yang, L., & Wang, B. (2025). Glycosylation in T2 high and Th17 Asthma: A Narrative Review. Journal of Asthma and Allergy. https://doi.org/10.2147/JAA.S509940

4. Imberti, L., Tiecco, G., Logiudice, J., Castelli, F., & Quiros‐Roldan, E. (2025). Effects of Climate Change on the Immune System: A Narrative Review. Health Science Reports