Ann Pediatr Endocrinol Metab.  2024 Dec;29(6):356-364. 10.6065/apem.2448160.080.

Control of T-cell immunity by fatty acid metabolism

• Kim J
• Lee Y
• Chung Y

• KMID: 2563079
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.6065/apem.2448160.080

Abstract

Fatty acids play critical roles in maintaining the cellular functions of T cells and regulating T-cell immunity. This review synthesizes current research on the influence of fatty acids on T-cell subsets, including CD8⁺ T cells, T_H1, T_H17, T_reg (regulatory T cells), and T_FH (T follicular helper) cells. Fatty acids impact T cells by modulating signaling pathways, inducing metabolic changes, altering cellular structures, and regulating gene expression epigenetically. These processes affect T-cell activation, differentiation, and function, with implications for diseases such as autoimmune disease and cancer. Based on these insights, fatty acid pathways can potentially be modulated by novel therapeutics, paving the way for novel treatment approaches for immune-mediated disorders and cancer immunotherapy.

Keyword

Fatty acids; Fatty acid metabolism; Fatty acid signaling; Immunometabolism; T-cell differentiation