T Cells, Endothelial Cell, Metabolism; A Therapeutic Target in Chronic Inflammation

Abstract

The role of metabolic reprogramming in the coordination of the immune response has gained increasing consideration in recent years. Indeed, it has become clear that changes in the metabolic status of immune cells can alter their functional properties. During inflammation, stimulated immune cells need to generate sufficient energy and biomolecules to support growth, proliferation and effector functions, including migration, cytotoxicity and production of cytokines. Thus, immune cells switch from oxidative phosphorylation to aerobic glycolysis, increasing their glucose uptake. A similar metabolic reprogramming has been described in endothelial cells which have the ability to interact with and modulate the function of immune cells and vice versa. Nonetheless, this complicated interplay between local environment, endothelial and immune cells metabolism, and immune functions remains incompletely understood. We analyze the metabolic reprogramming of endothelial and T cells during inflammation and we highlight some key components of this metabolic switch that can lead to the development of new therapeutics in chronic inflammatory disease.