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Updated: Dec 18, 2025

Measuring Mitochondrial Function of Naïve and Effector CD8 T Cells
Published on: March 28, 2025
Immunometabolism: new insights and lessons from antigen-directed cellular immune responses
Renata Ramalho1, Martin Rao2, Chao Zhang3
1Centro de Investigação Interdisciplinar Egas Moniz (CiiEM, U4585 FCT), Applied Nutrition Studies Group G.E.N.A.-IUEM), Instituto Universitário Egas Moniz, Egas Moniz Higher Education School, Monte de Caparica, Portugal.
Abstract:
Modulation of immune responses by nutrients is an important area of study in cellular biology and clinical sciences in the context of cancer therapies and anti-pathogen-directed immune responses in health and disease. We review metabolic pathways that influence immune cell function and cellular persistence in chronic infections. We also highlight the role of nutrients in altering the tissue microenvironment with lessons from the tumor microenvironment that shapes the quality and quantity of cellular immune responses. Multiple layers of biological networks, including the nature of nutritional supplements, the genetic background, previous exposures, and gut microbiota status have impact on cellular performance and immune competence against molecularly defined targets. We discuss how immune metabolism determines the differentiation pathway of antigen-specific immune cells and how these insights can be explored to devise better strategies to strengthen anti-pathogen-directed immune responses, while curbing unwanted, non-productive inflammation.
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