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Metabolic Instruction of Immunity
Michael D Buck1, Ryan T Sowell2, Susan M Kaech2
1Department of Immunometabolism, Max Planck Institute of Immunobiology and Epigenetics, 79108 Freiburg, Germany; Division of Biology and Biomedical Sciences Immunology Program, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO 63110, USA.
Cell
|May 6, 2017
Summary
Environmental factors influence immune cell metabolism and function. This review explores how these choices impact immune cell behavior during health and disease, highlighting key consequences.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Metabolism
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Immune cells constantly encounter diverse tissue microenvironments.
- These environments possess unique cellular, extracellular, and nutrient compositions.
- Immune cell physiology is intrinsically linked to metabolic pathways and metabolites.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the latest literature on immunometabolism.
- To examine how environmental niches influence immune cell metabolism and function.
- To highlight the consequences of these metabolic adaptations in homeostasis and disease.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent publications in immunometabolism.
- Analysis of studies investigating immune cell interactions with microenvironments.
- Synthesis of findings on metabolic regulation of immune cell activities.
Main Results:
- Environmental cues significantly alter immune cell metabolic states.
- Metabolic reprogramming dictates immune cell effector functions and differentiation.
- Dysregulated immunometabolism is implicated in various disease pathologies.
Conclusions:
- Immune cell function is highly plastic and responsive to environmental signals.
- Understanding immunometabolism is crucial for deciphering immune responses in health and disease.
- Targeting metabolic pathways offers potential therapeutic strategies for immune-related disorders.
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