Mitochondrial Dynamics at the Interface of Immune Cell Metabolism and Function

Abstract

Immune cell differentiation and function are crucially dependent on specific metabolic programs dictated by mitochondria, including the generation of ATP from the oxidation of nutrients and supplying precursors for the synthesis of macromolecules and post-translational modifications. The many processes that occur in mitochondria are intimately linked to their morphology that is shaped by opposing fusion and fission events. Exciting evidence is now emerging that demonstrates reciprocal crosstalk between mitochondrial dynamics and metabolism. Metabolic cues can control the mitochondrial fission and fusion machinery to acquire specific morphologies that shape their activity. We review the dynamic properties of mitochondria and discuss how these organelles interlace with immune cell metabolism and function.