This surprising link between your social interactions and your immune system 🛡️

Our relationships with loved ones could well be a key factor in preserving our health. A recent study reveals that these interactions directly influence our immune system and reduce the risk of serious illnesses.


Researchers have delved into the biological mechanisms that link social isolation and loneliness to poor health. By analyzing thousands of proteins in the blood, they discovered key markers associated with these states, opening new perspectives on the impact of human relationships on our well-being.

Proteins, indicators of our social health

The study relied on blood samples from 42,000 adults from the UK Biobank. Scientists identified 175 proteins linked to social isolation and 26 linked to loneliness. These proteins, often involved in inflammation and immune responses, are also associated with diseases such as diabetes or strokes.

Among these proteins, some play an important role in regulating stress and emotions. For example, ADM, produced in greater quantities in lonely individuals, affects brain areas related to self-perception and social interactions.

The biological consequences of loneliness

Loneliness appears to have a direct impact on certain proteins, such as ASGR1, linked to cholesterol and cardiovascular diseases. Other identified proteins are involved in processes like insulin resistance or cancer progression. These findings suggest that loneliness acts as a biological risk factor, well beyond its psychological effects.

Researchers used a statistical method to establish a causal link between loneliness and the increase in these proteins. This confirms that social isolation is not just a state of mind, but also a condition that profoundly alters our biology.

Towards better prevention

These results highlight the importance of maintaining social connections to preserve health. The study's authors call for concrete actions to combat isolation, a growing public health issue. Targeted interventions could thus help reduce the risks of diseases related to loneliness.

By better understanding the biological mechanisms at play, scientists hope to develop preventive treatments. The identified proteins could become therapeutic targets, offering new avenues to improve the health of isolated individuals.