Hemoglobin alpha regulates T-lymphocyte activation and mitochondrial function.

ABSTRACT: We have recently discovered hemoglobin alpha a1 (Hbα-a1 mRNA and Hbα protein) in T-lymphocytes and previously reported that its expression was sensitive to mitochondrial redox perturbations. However, outside of its occurrence and basic characterization, the functional role of Hbα in T-lymphocytes remained unknown. Herein, we identify Hbα in both CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T-lymphocyte subsets, and found its expression is highly dynamic, differs between the two subtypes, and is dependent upon activation stage. Further, the loss of Hbα by use of a novel T-lymphocyte-specific Hbα knock-out mouse impairs mitochondrial function, dysregulates cytokine production, and lowers the activation threshold primarily in CD4⁺ T-lymphocytes, indicating a critical role for Hbα within thi

SUBMITTER: Reed EC 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12324427 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature