Human Memory T cells show differential metabolic preferences

Abstract Metabolic reprogramming regulates survival and function of immune cells, including T cells. Previous studies revealed that memory cells are quiescent populations primarily use OXPHOS for their metabolic needs. However, antigen rechallenge induces the engagement aerobic glycolysis in which glucose is converted into lactate rather than oxidized mitochondria. Here, we compared characteristics human naïve (TCM, TEM, TEMRA) characterized by cell surface proteins CCR7, CD45RA. were enriched from PBMC samples, then subsets sorted flow cytometry. RNA-seq libraries constructed each population sequenced. Comparison metabolism related transcript levels a distinct state type. Seahorse assays, mitochondrial staining cytometry assays SCENITH (Single Cell ENergetIc profil Ing Translation Hibition) performed to assess metabolisms individual populations. Our data indicated resting CD4 CD8 have higher glycolytic fatty acid capacity consistent with data. Resting depend on ATP production more when stimulated, increased all types dependence decreased without significant difference between subsets. Overall, our highlights how retain greater naive cell, potentially contributing efficient secondary responses.