Dysfunctional mitochondria in ageing T cells: a perspective on mitochondrial quality control mechanisms.

ABSTRACT: Dysfunctional mitochondria are a hallmark of T cell ageing and contribute to organismal ageing. This arises from the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), impaired mitochondrial dynamics, and inefficient removal of dysfunctional mitochondria. Both cell-intrinsic and cell-extrinsic mechanisms for removing mitochondria and their byproducts have been identified in T cells. In this review, we explore how T cells manage mitochondrial damage through changes in mitochondrial metabolism, mitophagy, asymmetric mitochondrial inheritance, and mitochondrial transfer, highlighting the impact of these mechanisms on T cell ageing and overall organismal ageing. We also discuss current therapeutic strategies aimed at removing dysfunctional mitochondria and their byproducts and propose potential ne

SUBMITTER: Luo L 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12457620 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature