A new paradigm in intracellular immunology: Mitochondria emerging as leading immune organelles.

ABSTRACT: Mitochondria, traditionally recognized as cellular 'powerhouses' due to their pivotal role in energy production, have emerged as multifunctional organelles at the intersection of bioenergetics, metabolic signaling, and immunity. However, the understanding of their exact contributions to immunity and inflammation is still developing. This review first introduces the innovative concept of intracellular immunity, emphasizing how mitochondria serve as critical immune signaling hubs. They are instrumental in recognizing and responding to pathogen and danger signals, and in modulating immune responses. We also propose mitochondria as the leading immune organelles, drawing parallels with the broader immune system in their functions of antigen presentation, immune regulation, and immune response.

SUBMITTER: Xu K 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11402145 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature