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How Sleep and Body Clock Disruptions in Severe Illness Are Linked to Natural Immune Defenses
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Abstract
The master molecular clock, located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus, controls circadian rhythms that influence immune responses.
- Circadian rhythms are primarily regulated by light detected by the retina.
- Retinal ganglion cells send signals to the suprachiasmatic nucleus, which acts as the master clock.
- The master clock indirectly affects the innate immune system through various biological systems.
- Peripheral clocks in innate immune cells are regulated by circadian rhythm proteins.
- Alterations in circadian rhythms in critically ill patients may lead to impaired immune responses.
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