Metabolic control of T cells in autoimmunity

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Th1, Th17, and Treg cells play distinct roles in autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus, multiple sclerosis, and rheumatoid arthritis. During the last 5 years we have learned that T-cell metabolism affects cell survival, differentiation and fate of T cells. RECENT FINDINGS: We highlight recent studies which have reported on T-cell metabolism in autoimmune diseases, differences in cellular metabolisms in T-cell subsets among various diseases and transcription factors which control the expression and function of central metabolic enzymes. SUMMARY: Distinct metabolic processes control the function of T-cell subsets in autoimmune disease and known transcription factors control the activity of metabolic enzymes. The revealed insights into the metabolic events of immune cells offer opportunities for new therapeutic approaches.