Distinct modes of mitochondrial metabolism uncouple T cell differentiation and function

Activated CD4 T cells proliferate rapidly and remodel epigenetically before exiting the cell cycle and engaging acquired effector functions. Metabolic reprogramming from the naive state is required throughout these phases of activation1. In CD4 T cells, T-cell-receptor ligation—along with co-stimulatory and cytokine signals—induces a glycolytic anabolic program that is required for biomass generation, rapid proliferation and effector function2....