Decoding immunometabolism with next-generation tools: lessons from dendritic cells and T cells

Abstract

Cellular metabolism plays a pivotal role in regulating the effector functions and fate decisions of immune cells, shaping immune responses in homeostasis and disease. Metabolic pathways also serve as critical signaling hubs governing immune cell behavior. Deregulated metabolic pathways contribute to immune dysfunction, fueling disease progression and creating challenges for therapeutic interventions. The recent development of advanced technologies to delineate immunometabolic regulation has revolutionized our understanding of immune cell biology. These tools, ranging from quantitative single-cell metabolomics to in vivo spatial tissue profiling and DC-based metabolic therapy, have shifted the focus from broad nutrient pathways to a detailed exploration of metabolic reprogramming within disease microenvironments, revealing how metabolic changes drive immune cell activation, differentiation, and effector responses. The integration of immunometabolic insights into clinical practice holds strong potential for advancing precision medicine and developing targeted therapies that restore immune balance in pathological conditions. Here, we summarize emerging cutting-edge technologies related to immunometabolism and critically reflect on their current limitations. Finally, we discuss potential needs for developing novel methods that can uncover the intricate interplay between metabolism and immune cell function.