The impact of metabolic reprogramming on dendritic cell function.

Abstract Dendritic cells (DCs) are antigen-presenting cells with the ability to activate naïve T cells and direct the adaptive cellular immune response toward a specific profile. This is important, as different pathogens demand specific “profiles” of immune responses for their elimination. Such a goal is achieved depending on the maturation/activation status of DCs by the time of antigen presentation to T cells. Notwithstanding this, recent studies have shown that DCs alter their metabolic program to accommodate the functional changes in gene expression and protein synthesis that follow antigen recognition. In this review, we aim to summarize the data in the literature regarding the metabolic pathways involved with DC phenotypes and their functions. Highlights • Metabolism directs the activity of DCs into immunogenic or tolerogenic profile. • Glycolysis is increased in DCs during TLR activation, whereas OXPHOS is decreased. • Rapamycin, AMPK agonists and Rosiglitazone may direct DCs to a tolerogenic phenotype. • PI3K/AKT signaling pathway prevents excessive inflammation. • The modulation of DC metabolism may be used for the development of new drugs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]