Targeting Drp1 and mitochondrial fission for therapeutic immune modulation. (August 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Simula, Luca; Campanella, Michelangelo; Campello, Silvia
• Is Part Of: Pharmacological research. Volume 146(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-08
• Subjects: Drp1 -- Mitochondrial dynamics -- T cells -- Tumor immune-surveillance -- Pharmacological approaches; Pharmacology -- Periodicals; Pharmacology -- Periodicals; Research -- Periodicals; Médicaments -- Recherche -- Périodiques; Pharmacologie -- Périodiques; 615.105
• DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.104317
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-6618

Abstract

Graphical abstract: Abstract: Mitochondria are dynamic organelles whose processes of fusion and fission are tightly regulated by specialized proteins, known as mitochondria-shaping proteins . Among them, Drp1 is the main pro-fission protein and its activity is tightly regulated to ensure a strict control over mitochondria shape according to the cell needs. In the recent years, mitochondrial dynamics emerged as a new player in the regulation of fundamental processes during T cell life. Indeed, the morphology of mitochondria directly regulates T cell differentiation, this by affecting the engagment of alternative metabolic routes upon activation. Further, Drp1-dependent mitochondrial fission sustains both T cell clonal expansion and T cell migration and invasivness. By this review, we aim at discussing the most recent findings about the roles played by the Drp1-dependent mitochondrial fission in T cells, and at highlighting how its pharmacological modulation could open the way to future therapeutic approaches to modulate T cell response.