Immune cells such as lymphocytes undertake rapid energetic changes. This thesis investigates the energetic fitness of human CD4⁺ T cells in conditions of mitochondrial and nutrient stress. Intact mitochondrial electron transport chain and ATP production was essential for T cell activation and proliferation, but not cytokine production. Concomitant glucose deprivation inhibited all three functions. Sensitivity to mitochondrial stress varied between naïve, memory and regulatory CD4⁺ T cells. The findings support the notion that energetic fitness shapes immune function.     «

Immune cells such as lymphocytes undertake rapid energetic changes. This thesis investigates the energetic fitness of human CD4⁺ T cells in conditions of mitochondrial and nutrient stress. Intact mitochondrial electron transport chain and ATP production was essential for T cell activation and proliferation, but not cytokine production. Concomitant glucose deprivation inhibited all three functions. Sensitivity to mitochondrial stress varied between naïve, memory and regulatory CD4⁺ T cells. The f...     »