Work

Immunometabolism of T cells and macrophages: Human translational perspectives

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Immunometabolism explores how immune-cell function depends on cellular energy metabolism. Recent insights demonstrate that nutrient utilization dictates activation, polarization, and tolerance. AIMS: To systematically review human studies on T-cell and macrophage metabolism, identify converging pathways, and outline translational implications for inflammation, autoimmunity, and cancer. METHODS: Following PRISMA 2020 guidelines, PubMed was searched (2015-2025) using predefined MeSH terms ("immunometabolism", "T lymphocytes", "macrophages", "metabolic reprogramming"). Of 999 records, 67 met inclusion criteria (human data, peer-reviewed, quantitative endpoints). Bias was assessed with ROBIS. RESULTS: Effector T cells and M1 macrophages favor glycolysis for rapid ATP and pro-inflammatory signaling, whereas memory T cells and M2 macrophages rely on oxidative phosphorylation and fatty-acid oxidation for sustained energy and tolerance. mTORC1/AMPK signaling, glutaminolysis, and the kynurenine pathway integrate metabolic and immune cues. Metabolic dysregulation in obesity or tumor microenvironments skews these pathways, driving chronic inflammation or immune escape. CONCLUSIONS: Human immunometabolism is defined by dynamic substrate switching. Targeting glycolysis, FAO, or tryptophan metabolism offers therapeutic leverage in cancer and autoimmune disease. Future directions include single-cell and spatial metabolomics and integrative metabolic-immune modeling.

Source: Immunobiology

DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2025.153151

Author: Borros Arneth

Institutions: Philipps University of Marburg, Justus-Liebig-Universität Gießen

Language: English

Topic: Immune cells in cancer

Subfield: Immunology

Field: Immunology and Microbiology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,840