Arginine Arms T Cells to Thrive and Survive

Abstract

A clear role for cellular metabolism in regulating immune cell function has recently been established. In a recent issue of Cell, Geiger et al. (2016) demonstrate a role for intracellular arginine abundance in T cells for the promotion of oxidative metabolism, increased cell viability, persistence, and in vivo antitumor response.

Figure 1.. Arginine Promotes T Cell Memory Phenotype Acquisition

Increased levels of arginine in T cells result in the inhibition of glucose uptake and the promotion of mitochondrial oxidative metabolism. Concurrently, arginine modulates the conformation of several proteins involved in chromatin regulation. Together, these alterations in cell metabolism and perhaps gene expression driven by arginine promote the acquisition of a memory phenotype in T cells. This phenotype results in increased T cell survival, persistence, and an improved antitumor response.