Abstract
Here, we present a mechanistically grounded theory detailing a novel function of the behavioral immune system (BIS), the psychological system that prompts pathogen avoidance behaviors. We propose that BIS activity allows the body to downregulate basal inflammation, preventing resultant oxidative damage to DNA and promoting longevity. Study 1 investigated the relationship between a trait measure of pathogen avoidance motivation and in vitro and in vivo proinflammatory cytokine production. Study 2 examined the relationship between this same predictor and DNA damage often associated with prolonged inflammation. Results revealed that greater trait pathogen avoidance motivation predicts a) lower levels of spontaneous (but not stimulated) proinflammatory cytokine release by peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), b) lower plasma levels of the proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6), and c) lower levels of oxidative DNA damage. Thus, the BIS may promote health by protecting the body from the deleterious effects of inflammation and oxidative stress.
Highlights
Infectious diseases have long posed a survival threat to humans
We examined the relationship between a trait measure of pathogen avoidance motivation and indicators of non-targeted and targeted inflammatory tendencies, in vivo and in vitro
Because we propose that the behavioral immune system (BIS) reduces chronic basal inflammation–a key driver of ROS/RNS production– we predicted that an active BIS would be associated with having lower levels of oxidative stress
Summary
Infectious diseases have long posed a survival threat to humans. Humans have evolved numerous defenses to combat them. One such defense is the immune system. The immune system identifies pathogens within the body and responds by neutralizing and eliminating them. When immune cells are stimulated, they secrete a complex array of small molecular weight signaling proteins called cytokines that promote inflammation, clear/prevent infections, and heal injuries [1].
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