Mitofusin 2, a key coordinator between mitochondrial dynamics and innate immunity

In Soo Kim; Prashanta Silwal; Eun-Kyeong Jo

doi:10.1080/21505594.2021.1965829

Mitofusin 2, a key coordinator between mitochondrial dynamics and innate immunity

Virulence. 2021 Dec;12(1):2273-2284. doi: 10.1080/21505594.2021.1965829.

Authors

In Soo Kim^{1

2}, Prashanta Silwal^{1

2}, Eun-Kyeong Jo^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Microbiology, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea.
² Infection Control Convergence Research Center, Chungnam National University College of Medicine, Daejeon, Korea.

Abstract

Remodeling of mitochondrial dynamics and mitochondrial morphology plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of mitochondrial homeostasis in response to pathogenic attacks or stress stimuli. In addition to their role in metabolism and energy production, mitochondria participate in diverse biological functions, including innate immune responses driven by macrophages in response to infections or inflammatory stimuli. Mitofusin-2 (MFN2), a mitochondria-shaping protein regulating mitochondrial fusion and fission, plays a crucial role in linking mitochondrial function and innate immune responses. In this article, we review the role of MFN2 in the regulation of innate immune responses during viral and bacterial infections. We also summarize the current knowledge on the role of MFN2 in coordinating inflammatory, atherogenic, and fibrotic responses. MFN2-mediated crosstalk between mitochondrial dynamics and innate immune responses may determine the outcomes of pathogenic infections.

Keywords: Mitofusin-2; infections; innate immunity; mitochondrial dynamics.

Publication types

Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
Review

MeSH terms

GTP Phosphohydrolases*
Homeostasis
Humans
Hydrolases
Immunity, Innate*
Mitochondria
Mitochondrial Dynamics*
Mitochondrial Proteins*

Substances

Mitochondrial Proteins
Hydrolases
GTP Phosphohydrolases
MFN2 protein, human

Grants and funding

This work was supported by the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) grant funded by the Korea government (MSIT) (No. 2017R1A5A2015385) and a grant of the Korea Health Technology R&D Project through the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI), funded by the Ministry of Health & Welfare, Republic of Korea (No. HI19C1084);Korea Health Industry Development Institute [HI19C1084];National Research Foundation of Korea [2017R1A5A2015385];