CAR T/NK METABOLISM

Generally, T cell metabolism can be categorized into two major phases: quiescent (resting) and activated. In the quiescent state, T cells rely primarily on oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) to generate ATP, the cell's energy currency, through the oxidation of glucose and fatty acids in the mitochondria. This process is efficient and allows T cells to maintain their basic functions without high energy demands.

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Upon activation, T cells undergo metabolic reprogramming to support their increased energy needs for proliferation and effector functions. Activated T cells shift towards aerobic glycolysis, a process where glucose is metabolized into lactate even in the presence of oxygen. This metabolic shift is known as the Warburg effect and is characterized by increased glucose uptake and glycolytic enzyme expression. Our lab studies the metabolic profiles of T and NK cells during quiescence and activation to gain a better understanding of how these processes help or hinder their use as immunotherapies.