The Impact of Cardiorespiratory Fitness on Cytotoxic T Cell Function and Metabolism
Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is a key indicator of the health and function of several bodily systems, but it is unknown how CRF impacts the function of specific immune cells such as cytotoxic CD8+ T cells (Tc). Tc utilize cytokines, such as interferon-γ (IFN-γ), to orchestrate cell mediated responses to viral infections and tumors (1). Production of cytokines is energy and resource intensive, necessitating sufficient energy and amino acid production to support these processes, especially post-activation when T cells undergo rapid growth and expansion. Notably, higher CRF is associated with improved oxidative metabolism, mitochondrial volume, and mitochondrial function across multiple non-immune cell types (2, 3). Thus, enhanced mitochondrial characteristics associated with higher CRF may provide necessary energy and amino acids to support Tc cytokine production, underscoring the potential immunological benefits of improved CRF. This project examined the relationship between CRF and Tc metabolism, mitochondrial function, and cellular function to understand how differences in CRF impact such characteristics. We also investigated the relationship between Tc function and Tc metabolism and mitochondrial function in order to identify whether differences in metabolic function impact Tc cytokine production. Furthermore, all analyses were conducted within multiple Tc subsets due to their varying metabolic characteristics and energy requirements. The results of this project will further elucidate the effects of exercise on the immune system and thus provide valuable knowledge that may be used for exercise prescription to prevent and treat illnesses.
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