Epigenetics, exercise, and the immune system

This chapter addresses how the immune system adapts to and influences individual responses to exercise and physical activity by focusing on epigenetic regulation. The role of inflammation, specific cell populations of the immune system, and cytokine production including IL-6, TNF-alpha, and IL-10 are discussed. Where possible we demonstrate how exercise, epigenetics, and immunity are intrinsically linked and emphasize how “Exercise as Medicine” may have implications for cancer prevention and healthy aging.