Cellular Metabolic Regulation in the Differentiation and Function of Regulatory T Cells

Abstract

Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are essential for maintaining immune tolerance and preventing autoimmune and inflammatory diseases. The activity and function of Tregs are in large part determined by various intracellular metabolic processes. Recent findings have focused on how intracellular metabolism can shape the development, trafficking, and function of Tregs. In this review, we summarize and discuss current research that reveals how distinct metabolic pathways modulate Tregs differentiation, phenotype stabilization, and function. These advances highlight numerous opportunities to alter Tregs frequency and function in physiopathologic conditions via metabolic manipulation and have important translational implications.