FOCIS 2015: Metabolism May Affect Immune System’s Reaction to Disease

Elevated HIF activity sustains the killer T cell effector function and notably can also promote memory cell differentiation. This is reflected in CD8+ T cells with high levels of HIF that show sustained effector function but also upregulate key molecules associated with long-lived protective immunity by CD8+ T cells.

In summarizing the research conducted at her UCSD lab, Dr. Goldrath noted that HIF activity enhances the effector function and regulates immune responses that mediate T cells. It also contributes to cell differentiation regulated by metabolism, she said.

Catherine Kolonko is a medical writer based in Oregon.