Immunometabolic control of trained immunity

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Metabolic pathways
• Epigenetics

Background:

• Innate immune cells develop long-term inflammatory phenotypes after stimuli, a process called trained immunity.
• Trained immunity can enhance host defense against infections but may contribute to chronic inflammatory diseases like atherosclerosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of the mechanisms underlying trained immunity.
• To explore the interplay between metabolic pathways and epigenetic reprogramming in trained immunity.
• To highlight potential pharmacological targets for therapeutic exploitation.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on trained immunity.
• Analysis of intracellular metabolic changes (glycolysis, TCA cycle, mevalonate pathway).
• Examination of epigenetic reprogramming, specifically histone modifications.

Main Results:

• Trained immunity involves significant alterations in cellular metabolism.
• Metabolic pathways like glycolysis, fumarate accumulation, and the mevalonate pathway are critical.
• These metabolic changes are closely linked with epigenetic reprogramming.

Conclusions:

• Metabolic pathways and epigenetic programs are intertwined in establishing trained immunity.
• Understanding these interactions is crucial for developing targeted therapies.
• Further research into these mechanisms can lead to novel treatments for inflammatory disorders.