T regulatory cells metabolism: The influence on functional properties and treatment potential

Martyna Tomaszewicz; Anna Ronowska; Maciej Zieliński; Agnieszka Jankowska-Kulawy; Piotr Trzonkowski

doi:10.3389/fimmu.2023.1122063

T regulatory cells metabolism: The influence on functional properties and treatment potential

Front Immunol. 2023 Mar 3:14:1122063. doi: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1122063. eCollection 2023.

Authors

Martyna Tomaszewicz^{1

2}, Anna Ronowska³, Maciej Zieliński^{1

2}, Agnieszka Jankowska-Kulawy³, Piotr Trzonkowski^{1

2}

Affiliations

¹ Department of Medical Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdanísk, Poland.
² Poltreg S.A., Gdanísk, Poland.
³ Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdanísk, Poland.

Abstract

CD4⁺CD25^highFoxP3⁺ regulatory T cells (Tregs) constitute a small but substantial fraction of lymphocytes in the immune system. Tregs control inflammation associated with infections but also when it is improperly directed against its tissues or cells. The ability of Tregs to suppress (inhibit) the immune system is possible due to direct interactions with other cells but also in a paracrine fashion via the secretion of suppressive compounds. Today, attempts are made to use Tregs to treat autoimmune diseases, allergies, and rejection after bone marrow or organ transplantation. There is strong evidence that the metabolic program of Tregs is connected with the phenotype and function of these cells. A modulation towards a particular metabolic stage of Tregs may improve or weaken cells' stability and function. This may be an essential tool to drive the immune system keeping it activated during infections or suppressed when autoimmunity occurs.

Keywords: adenosine; autoimmunity; fatty acid oxidation; glycolysis; ischemia; mTOR; metabolism; mitochondria.

Publication types

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

MeSH terms

Autoimmune Diseases*
Autoimmunity
Humans
Immune System
T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory*

Grants and funding

This work has been supported by National Centre for Research and Development, Poland: grant no POIR.01.01.01-00-0769/15-03 and Medical University of Gdańsk, Poland grant no 01-10022/643-0003384.