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Updated: Jun 15, 2026

High-Resolution Fluorespirometry to Assess Dynamic Changes in Mitochondrial Membrane Potential in Human Immune Cells
Published on: May 24, 2024
Uncoupling protein UCP2: when mitochondrial activity meets immunity
1Department of Pathology and Immunology, CMU, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland. yalinemre@gmail.com
Abstract:
Uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) belongs to the family of mitochondrial carriers. Here, we highlight recent findings regarding UCP2 function in the immune system. UCP2 controls immune cell activation by modulating MAPK pathways and the production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species. In several models of infection, inflammation and autoimmunity, a regulatory impact of UCP2 was demonstrated by its direct implication in the production of cytokines and nitric oxide and in cell migration. In addition, UCP2 is reported as a key protein for oxidation of fatty acids, glutamine and glucose. Therefore we present a model of how the regulation of nutrient oxidation by UCP2 promotes immune cell activation.
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