Adaptive immunity at the crossroads of autophagy and metabolism

The function of lymphocytes is dependent on their plasticity, particularly their adaptation to energy availability and environmental stress, and their protein synthesis machinery. Lymphocytes are constantly under metabolic stress, and macroautophagy/autophagy is the primary metabolic pathway that helps cells overcome stressors. The intrinsic role of autophagy in regulating the metabolism of adaptive immune cells has recently gained increasing attention. In this review, we summarize and discuss the versatile roles of autophagy in regulating cellular metabolism and the implications of autophagy for immune cell function and fate, especially for T and B lymphocytes.

Automated summary

The function of lymphocytes relies on their plasticity in response to energy availability and environmental stress, as well as their protein synthesis machinery. Autophagy, as the primary metabolic pathway, helps cells overcome stress and regulates the metabolism of adaptive immune cells. The versatile roles of autophagy in cellular metabolism have important implications for immune cell function and fate, particularly for T and B lymphocytes.