Basic mechanism of immune system activation by mitochondria

Abstract

Almost 160 years after the discovery of mitochondria, they are known for their production of energy and are called “the powerhouse of the cell”. Recently, immune-metabolism has been revealed as a key factor controlling immune cell proliferation and differentiation. Resting lymphocytes generate energy through oxidative phosphorylation and fatty acid oxidation, whereas activated lymphocytes rapidly shift to glycolysis. Oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) as well as mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) generated through the electron transport chain (ETC) are involved in many immune cell functions. Moreover, mitochondria are dynamic organelles that can provide immunogenic molecules, such as mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) resulting in innate immune system activation. Here, we describe the role of mitochondria in immune system regulation, highlighting metabolism-dependent and other immunogenic aspects.