Energy metabolic pathways control the fate and function of myeloid immune cells

J Leukoc Biol. 2017 Aug;102(2):369-380. doi: 10.1189/jlb.1VMR1216-535R. Epub 2017 May 17.

Abstract

The past decade has seen a significant interest in investigating the intracellular metabolism of cells of the immune system. This has increased the realization that immune cells endure metabolic reprogramming upon responding to pathogen-derived or inflammatory signals. More importantly, not only does this metabolic switch provide for the bioenergetic and biosynthetic demands but also it, in a highly specific manner, determines the cellular fate and function. In this review, we discuss the metabolic aspects that regulate the differentiation and function of myeloid cells, pivotal for both innate and adaptive immunity. The manipulation of these pathways can alter the function of these cells and therefore, could provide novel therapeutic approaches in cancer and other chronic inflammatory conditions.

Keywords: MDSC; dendritic cell; macrophage; neutrophil.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Differentiation / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Metabolic Networks and Pathways / immunology*
  • Myeloid Cells / cytology
  • Myeloid Cells / immunology*
  • Myeloid Cells / metabolism*