ID: 245. Issue 1 (November 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Heieis, Graham Anthony; Redpath, Stephen; Fonseca, Nicolette; Perona-Wright, Georgia
• Is Part Of: Cytokine. Volume 76:Issue 1(2015)
• Page Start: 110
• Publication Date: 2015-11
• Subjects: Cytokines -- Periodicals; 571.844
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2015.08.248
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-4666

Abstract

<abstract xml:lang="en" abstract-type="author" id="ab005"> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec> <p id="sp005">Upon activation, CD4+ T cells adopt a highly glycolytic metabolism to meet the increased energy demands of proliferation and cytokine production. It has been reported that different CD4+ T cell subsets exhibit different metabolic profiles, implying they may have unique metabolic requirements. Studies have shown that Th2 cells have higher glycolytic rates than other effector subsets, but the functional significance of this is unknown. Interleukin (IL)-4 is the orchestrating cytokine of the Th2 response and IL-4 signaling is widespread throughout a Th2 lymph node. Bystander cells present in the lymph node are exposed to IL-4 signals without antigen-specific stimulation, and this ambient cytokine exposure predisposes them towards Th2 differentiation during subsequent activation. We hypothesize that IL-4 signaling dictates CD4+ T cell metabolism and thus determines T cell fate. Our data describe similarities and differences in the metabolic profiles of active and bystander CD4+ T cells, generated during Th1 and Th2 responses in vitro and in vivo. Our findings provide new insight into the ability of cytokines induced by one immune challenge to influence T cell function in a subsequent response. A third of the world's population is currently infected with Th2-driving helminths, and co-infection is frequent. Targeting the mechanisms of cytokine crosstalk during co-infection promises to yield significant health benefit.</p> </sec> </abstract>