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Updated: Aug 10, 2025

Measuring Mitochondrial Function of Naïve and Effector CD8 T Cells
Published on: March 28, 2025
Metabolism and epigenetics at the heart of T cell function
Leticia Soriano-Baguet1, Dirk Brenner2
1Experimental and Molecular Immunology, Department of Infection and Immunity, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg; Immunology and Genetics, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg.
Abstract:
T cell subsets adapt and rewire their metabolism according to their functions and surrounding microenvironment. Whereas naive T cells rely on mitochondrial metabolic pathways characterized by low nutrient requirements, effector T cells induce kinetically faster pathways to generate the biomass and energy needed for proliferation and cytokine production. Recent findings support the concept that alterations in metabolism also affect the epigenetics of T cells. In this review we discuss the connections between T cell metabolism and epigenetic changes such as histone post-translational modifications (PTMs) and DNA methylation, as well as the 'extra-metabolic' roles of metabolic enzymes and molecules. These findings collectively point to a new group of potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of T cell-dependent autoimmune diseases and cancers.
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