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Published on: February 8, 2022
NK cell metabolism
1School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland.
Abstract:
Natural Killer (NK) cells are important antiviral and anticancer effector cells. They have excellent potential for immunotherapy although impaired functions during cancer limit their effectiveness. The discovery that cellular metabolism can impact on and regulate immune functions has led to an explosion of articles in this new area of immunometabolism. Metabolism has recently been shown to impact both murine and human NK cell biology. This review is targeted for newcomers to the field; it will introduce basic concepts in the area of immunometabolism including key aspects of glucose metabolism and mitochondrial function. It will review our current understanding of how metabolism of NK cells is differentially impacted in a variety of important situations. This is a rapidly expanding and exciting area of research that holds great potential for improving NK cell-based immunotherapies.
Insights
Natural Killer (NK) cells are crucial for fighting viruses and cancer. Understanding their metabolism, or immunometabolism, is key to improving NK cell immunotherapies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cellular Metabolism
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Natural Killer (NK) cells are vital immune cells with significant antiviral and anticancer properties.
- Their therapeutic potential in immunotherapy is hindered by impaired function in cancer patients.
- The emerging field of immunometabolism reveals that cellular metabolism regulates immune cell functions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To introduce basic concepts of immunometabolism for newcomers to the field.
- To review the impact of cellular metabolism on Natural Killer (NK) cell biology in both murine and human systems.
- To discuss how NK cell metabolism is altered in various disease contexts.
Main Methods:
- This review synthesizes current research on NK cell metabolism.
- It covers fundamental aspects of glucose metabolism and mitochondrial function.
- It examines metabolic alterations in NK cells across different physiological and pathological conditions.
Main Results:
- Cellular metabolism significantly influences NK cell biology and function.
- Metabolic pathways, including glucose metabolism and mitochondrial activity, are critical for NK cell effectiveness.
- Dysregulated metabolism in conditions like cancer impairs NK cell activity.
Conclusions:
- Immunometabolism is a rapidly advancing research area with profound implications for NK cell function.
- Understanding NK cell metabolism offers promising avenues for enhancing NK cell-based immunotherapies.
- Targeting metabolic pathways could restore or boost NK cell anti-tumor and anti-viral capabilities.
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