Mitochondrial respiration is necessary for CD8⁺ T cell proliferation and cell fate.

ABSTRACT: Mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) function is linked to the generation of ATP, signaling molecules including reactive oxygen species (ROS), pyrimidines and tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolites¹. Mitochondrial electron transport is required for T cell proliferation^2-4. However, which mitochondrial ETC functions are necessary for each dynamic state of CD8⁺ T cell responses is unknown. Here we report that impairing mitochondrial complex III function, which diminishes respiration, proton pumping linked to ATP production and superoxide production, decreases peripheral naive numbers, antigen-induced CD8⁺ T cell proliferation and memory formation. Acute stimulation of mitochondrial complex III-deficient CD8⁺ T cells induced an exha

SUBMITTER: Steinert EM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12307223 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature