Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection

T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection

T cells are integral to our adaptive immune system, recognizing and effectively responding to foreign antigens. T cell activation and clonal selection are pivotal in orchestrating this immune response. This article elucidates these mechanisms, detailing the roles of cluster of differentiation (CD) markers, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, costimulatory signals, and the process of clonal selection.
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...

The Tumor Microenvironment

The Tumor Microenvironment

Every normal cell or tissue is embedded in a complex local environment called stroma, consisting of different cell types, a basal membrane, and blood vessels. As normal cells mutate and develop into cancer cells, their local environment also changes to allow cancer progression. The tumor microenvironment (TME) consists of a complex cellular matrix of stromal cells and the developing tumor. The cross-talk between cancer cells and surrounding stromal cells is critical to disrupt normal tissue...

B Cell Activation and Differentiation

B Cell Activation and Differentiation

The adaptive immune response, a sophisticated defense mechanism, relies on the activation and differentiation of B lymphocytes, or B cells. These processes enable our bodies to mount a tailored response against specific pathogens such as bacteria, free virus particles, toxins, and parasites.
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...

Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response

Cells of the Adaptive Immune Response

The T and B lymphocytes of the adaptive immune system develop from common lymphoid progenitor cells in the bone marrow. These progenitors give rise to precursors that eventually develop into both T and B lymphocytes. As these precursors mature, they gain the ability to detect and respond to foreign antigens in the body, a process known as immunocompetence. Additionally, these precursors acquire self-tolerance, a process that ensures they do not react to self-antigens. This intricate system...

Cell-mediated Immune Responses

Cell-mediated Immune Responses

Special Features of Adaptive Immunity

Special Features of Adaptive Immunity

The adaptive immune system, a crucial component of the overall immune response, offers a highly specialized defense against pathogens. It involves specific cell types and features, enabling it to combat infections effectively and efficiently.
The primary cell types involved in adaptive immunity are T cells and B cells. Each type has a unique role in defending the body against pathogens. T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity. They identify and eliminate infected cells directly,...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Retraction Note: Re-engineered BCG overexpressing cyclic di-AMP augments trained immunity and exhibits improved efficacy against bladder cancer.

Nature communications·2026

Same author

DOT1L provides transcriptional memory through PRC1.1 antagonism.

Nature cell biology·2026

Same author

More TOR: The expanding role of mTOR in regulating immune responses.

Immunity·2025

Same author

KAT6A and KAT7 Histone Acetyltransferase Complexes Are Molecular Dependencies and Therapeutic Targets in NUP98-Rearranged Acute Myeloid Leukemia.

Cancer discovery·2025

Same author

Epigenetic Therapies.

Cold Spring Harbor perspectives in medicine·2024

Same author

Revumenib Revises the Treatment Landscape for <i>KMT2A</i>-r Leukemia.

Journal of clinical oncology : official journal of the American Society of Clinical Oncology·2024

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 15, 2026

Measuring Mitochondrial Function of Naïve and Effector CD8 T Cells

Measuring Mitochondrial Function of Naïve and Effector CD8 T Cells

Published on: March 28, 2025

Sensing the immune microenvironment to coordinate T cell metabolism, differentiation & function.

Emily B Heikamp¹, Jonathan D Powell

¹Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Research Center, Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, United States.

Seminars in Immunology

|January 22, 2013

Summary

T cell activation requires significant energy, altering cellular metabolism. The mTOR pathway integrates these metabolic changes, influencing T cell function, differentiation, and movement.

More Related Videos

Real-time Monitoring of Mitochondrial Respiration in Cytokine-differentiated Human Primary T Cells

Real-time Monitoring of Mitochondrial Respiration in Cytokine-differentiated Human Primary T Cells

Published on: October 19, 2021

High-Resolution Fluorespirometry to Assess Dynamic Changes in Mitochondrial Membrane Potential in Human Immune Cells

High-Resolution Fluorespirometry to Assess Dynamic Changes in Mitochondrial Membrane Potential in Human Immune Cells

Published on: May 24, 2024

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 15, 2026

Measuring Mitochondrial Function of Naïve and Effector CD8 T Cells

Measuring Mitochondrial Function of Naïve and Effector CD8 T Cells

Published on: March 28, 2025

Real-time Monitoring of Mitochondrial Respiration in Cytokine-differentiated Human Primary T Cells

Real-time Monitoring of Mitochondrial Respiration in Cytokine-differentiated Human Primary T Cells

Published on: October 19, 2021

High-Resolution Fluorespirometry to Assess Dynamic Changes in Mitochondrial Membrane Potential in Human Immune Cells

High-Resolution Fluorespirometry to Assess Dynamic Changes in Mitochondrial Membrane Potential in Human Immune Cells

Published on: May 24, 2024

Area of Science:

Immunology
Cellular Metabolism
Molecular Biology

Background:

Adaptive immune responses are energy-intensive, necessitating metabolic adaptations in T cells.
T cell activation involves coordinated metabolic shifts influenced by cytokine and costimulatory signals.
Distinct T cell subsets exhibit unique metabolic profiles, highlighting metabolic heterogeneity.

Purpose of the Study:

To review the critical role of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway.
To elucidate how mTOR integrates metabolic processes with T cell activation.
To discuss mTOR's influence on CD4 and CD8 T cell metabolism, differentiation, and trafficking.

Main Methods:

This is a review article, synthesizing existing research.
Analysis of studies linking cellular metabolism and immune function.
Focus on the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway's role.

Main Results:

mTOR acts as a central regulator integrating metabolic demands with T cell activation signals.
mTOR signaling dictates metabolic pathways crucial for T cell effector functions.
Evidence suggests mTOR influences T cell differentiation and migration patterns.

Conclusions:

The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is a key determinant of T cell metabolic states.
mTOR signaling is essential for coordinating cellular metabolism with T cell activation and differentiation.
Understanding mTOR's role provides insights into adaptive immunity and potential therapeutic targets.