Oleic acid enhances proliferation and calcium mobilization of CD3/CD28 activated CD4+ T cells through incorporation into membrane lipids

Hegedus, J.H. von; Jong, A.J. de; Hoekstra, A.T.; Spronsen, E.; Zhu, W.H.; Cabukusta, B.; ... ; Ioan-Facsinay, A. (2024)

Article / Letter to editor

Unsaturated fatty acids (UFA) are crucial for T-cell effector functions, as they can affect the growth, differentiation, survival, and function of T cells. Nonetheless, the mechanisms by which UFA affects T-cell behavior are ill-defined. Therefore, we analyzed the processing of oleic acid, a prominent UFA abundantly present in blood, adipocytes, and the fat pads surrounding lymph nodes, in CD4⁺ T cells. We found that exogenous oleic acid increases proliferation and enhances the calcium flux response upon CD3/CD28 activation. By using a variety of techniques, we found that the incorporation of oleic acid into membrane lipids, rather than regulation of cellular metabolism or TCR expression, is essential for its effects on CD4⁺ T cells. These results provide novel insights into the mechanism through which exogenous oleic acid enhances CD4⁺ T-cell function.

• CD4 T cells
• Cellular proliferation
• Fatty acids
• Immune regulation
• Metabolomics
• Oleic acid
• TCR

• All authors: Hegedus, J.H. von; Jong, A.J. de; Hoekstra, A.T.; Spronsen, E.; Zhu, W.H.; Cabukusta, B.; Kwekkeboom, J.C.; Heijink, M.; Bos, E.; Berkers, C.R.; Giera, M.A.; Toes, R.E.M.; Ioan-Facsinay, A.
• Date: 2024-06-18
• Journal: European Journal of Immunology
• Pages: 1 - 17
• DOI: doi:10.1002/eji.202350685
• Link: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/eji.202350685