Chemical Research in Chinese Universities ›› 2025, Vol. 41 ›› Issue (1): 1-14.doi: 10.1007/s40242-024-4180-8

• Review • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Multi-Dimensional Role of Amino Acid Metabolism in Immune Regulation: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Strategies

QIN Changjuan1,2, YANG Guanqing1, WEI Qi2, XIN Hua2, DING Jianxun1,3, CHEN Xuesi1,3   

  1. 1. Key Laboratory of Polymer Ecomaterials, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun 130022, P. R. China;
    2. Department of Thoracic Surgery, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun 130033, P. R. China;
    3. School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, P. R. China
  • Received:2024-08-16 Online:2025-02-01 Published:2025-01-18
  • Contact: DING Jianxun,jxding@ciac.ac.cn;CHEN Xuesi,xschen@ciac.ac.cn E-mail:jxding@ciac.ac.cn;xschen@ciac.ac.cn
  • Supported by:
    This work was supported by the National Key R & D Program of China (No. 2021YFC2400600/2021YFC2400604), the National Natural Science Foundation of China (Nos. U23A20591, 52273158, and 52203200), the Science and Technology Development Program of Jilin Province, China (Nos. 20240101002JJ, 20240404010ZP, and YDZJ202402077CXJD), and the Youth Talents Promotion Project of Jilin Province, China (No. Y2023066).

Abstract: Immune cells are essential components of the human immune system, playing a critical role in maintaining human health and defending against diseases. Changes in nutritional metabolism influence the activation, proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation direction, and other behaviors of immune cells, affecting immune functions. Amino acids, fundamental nutrients in all living organisms, are crucial for maintaining redox balance, regulating energy, supporting biosynthesis, and preserving homeostasis. The availability of amino acids influences the behaviors and functions of immune cells significantly. Therefore, understanding the intricate relationship between amino acid metabolism and immune cell behaviors leads to identifying unique therapeutic targets and improving clinical outcomes. The review summarizes the impact of different types of amino acid metabolism on the behaviors of dendritic cells and T cells, hoping to provide a valuable reference for researchers and clinicians in related fields.

Key words: Amino acid, Metabolism, Dendritic cell, T cell, Immunomodulation