Mitochondria Play a Vital Role in T-Cell Proliferation and Memory Development
New research uncovers how mitochondrial metabolism influences T-cell proliferation, exhaustion, and memory formation, opening doors for advanced immunotherapy approaches.
Recent research led by experts at Northwestern University has shed light on the crucial role mitochondria play in supporting T-cell growth and immune memory formation. Published in Nature Immunology, the study explores how mitochondrial metabolism influences immune responses, particularly in combating cancer and infections. Investigators engineered mice lacking mitochondrial complex III, a key component of the electron transport chain responsible for electron transfer and ATP production. These mice showed diminished cellular respiration, leading to impaired proliferation of CD8+ T-cells during viral infections. Notably, the absence of complex III caused these T-cells to undergo rapid exhaustion after short-term stimulation, a phenomenon traditionally associated with chronic infections.
Furthermore, the study demonstrated that mitochondrial complex III deficiency also hampers the development of T-cell memory, which is essential for long-term immunity. Interestingly, when researchers introduced the alternative oxidase (AOX) protein derived from C. intestinalis into these deficient T-cells, some metabolic functions and proliferation were restored without ROS production. However, memory formation was not rescued, indicating that ROS generation during mitochondrial activity is vital for establishing immune memory.
Dr. Navdeep Chandel explained that mitochondrial respiration supports T-cell proliferation and prevents exhaustion, highlighting mitochondria as central regulators of T-cell health. These findings offer promising avenues for designing targeted therapies to enhance immune responses by modulating mitochondrial functions, potentially improving immunotherapy strategies against cancer and infectious diseases.
Overall, this research emphasizes the importance of mitochondrial health in immune cell function, fostering new understandings of how cellular energy production influences immune resilience and memory development.
Source: https://medicalxpress.com/news/2025-07-mitochondria-cells-proliferation-memory-formation.html
Stay Updated with Mia's Feed
Get the latest health & wellness insights delivered straight to your inbox.
Related Articles
New Insights into Why Men Are More Vulnerable to Severe COVID-19
A recent study reveals immune response differences between men and women that may explain why men are more likely to develop severe COVID-19, highlighting potential targets for personalized treatment.
Psoriasis and Its Link to Increased Sleep Disorder Risks
Emerging research reveals a strong link between psoriasis and increased risk of sleep disorders, underscoring the importance of integrated care for affected patients.
Enhanced Detection of Down Syndrome Using Noninvasive Prenatal Testing
New research shows noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT) detects twice as many Down syndrome cases as traditional screening methods, offering improved accuracy and cost savings for prenatal care.