Dendritic cell immunometabolism - a potential therapeutic target for allergic diseases

Int J Med Sci. 2025 Jan 1;22(2):417-431. doi: 10.7150/ijms.105532. eCollection 2025.

Abstract

Allergic diseases are a group of chronic inflammatory disorders driven by abnormal immune responses. Dendritic cells (DCs) play a pivotal role in the initiation and progression of allergic diseases by modulating T cell responses. Extensive progress has been made in characterizing crucial roles of metabolic reprogramming in the regulation of immune cell functions. As the critical upstream regulators and effectors in allergic responses, the activation, migration, and function of DCs are reliant on metabolic reprogramming. In this review, we summarize the metabolic characteristics of DCs, and how the cellular microenvironment shapes DC function. We also elucidate the metabolic regulation of DC biology in the context of allergic diseases and targeted therapeutic strategies based on DC metabolism regulation. Understanding the functional alterations in DCs during allergic responses and the underlying mechanisms governing its metabolic regulation is crucial for the development of effective strategies for the prevention and treatment of allergic diseases.

Keywords: Allergic disease; Dendritic cell; Gut microbiota; Immunometabolism; T cell response; Targeted therapy.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cellular Microenvironment / drug effects
  • Cellular Microenvironment / immunology
  • Dendritic Cells* / drug effects
  • Dendritic Cells* / immunology
  • Dendritic Cells* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Hypersensitivity* / drug therapy
  • Hypersensitivity* / immunology
  • Hypersensitivity* / metabolism