Regulation of T cell immunity by cellular metabolism

Front Med. 2018 Aug;12(4):463-472. doi: 10.1007/s11684-018-0668-2. Epub 2018 Aug 16.

Abstract

T cells are an important adaptive immune response arm that mediates cell-mediated immunity. T cell metabolism plays a central role in T cell activation, proliferation, differentiation, and effector function. Specific metabolic programs are tightly controlled to mediate T cell immune responses, and alterations in T cell metabolism may result in many immunological disorders. In this review, we will summarize the main T cell metabolic pathways and the important factors participating in T cell metabolic programming during T cell homeostasis, differentiation, and function.

Keywords: T cell immunity; metabolic checkpoints; metabolic pathways; nutrient uptake.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Physiological Phenomena
  • Humans
  • Immunity, Cellular / physiology*
  • Metabolic Networks and Pathways / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes* / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes* / metabolism