During times of chronic stress, which type of hormones produced by the adrenal cortex can inhibit the immune system?

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During chronic stress, the adrenal cortex releases glucocorticoids, mainly cortisol. These hormones dampen immune activity and inflammation to help the body cope with prolonged stress. They blunt the production of cytokines, suppress T-cell proliferation and activation, and decrease antigen presentation. They also reduce the synthesis of inflammatory mediators by inhibiting enzymes like phospholipase A2, leading to lower prostaglandin and leukotriene production. The overall result is immunosuppression and a slower, less robust immune response. Mineralocorticoids and estrogens aren’t the adrenal cortex hormones that suppress immunity in this context, and catecholamines from the adrenal medulla are more about acute, immediate stress responses rather than prolonged immune suppression.