"The Role of Mitochondria Metabolism in CD8 Cell Mobility." 

Voiceover

Presenter(s)

Fahiima Abdullahi

Abstract or Description

CD8 T cell migration is especially important because it allows for these cells to quickly migrate to tumors and kill tumor cells. In addition, once CD8 cells get into the tumor, CD8 cells also need motility (random walk) and fitness to be able to find their targets. When CD8 effector cells are expanded with Il-2 they proliferate and survive very well but have minimal capacity to move which can impact their anti-tumor immune responses. Our recent studies have revealed that effector CD8 cells expanded with IL-2 and IL-21, they display superior motility (faster and/or longer) than CD8 cells with only IL-2. We have obtained data showing that the effect of IL-21 on CD8 cell motility is by improving mitochondrial metabolism and mitochondrial Ca2+. Previous studies in our group have shown that MCJ is a negative regulator of mitochondrial respiration. We are currently investigating whether loss of MCJ also increases the migratory capacity and motility of CD8 cells by promoting mitochondrial respiration and improving fitness of CD8 cells. We propose that by enhancing CD8 cells motility we will be able to enhance their anti-tumor activity and killing of tumor cells.