A new paradigm in intracellular immunology: Mitochondria emerging as leading immune organelles
Keman Xu,
Fatma Saaoud,
Ying Shao,
Yifan Lu,
Qiaoxi Yang,
Xiaohua Jiang,
Hong Wang,
Xiaofeng Yang
Affiliations
Keman Xu
Lemole Center for Integrated Lymphatics and Vascular Research, USA
Fatma Saaoud
Lemole Center for Integrated Lymphatics and Vascular Research, USA
Ying Shao
Lemole Center for Integrated Lymphatics and Vascular Research, USA
Yifan Lu
Lemole Center for Integrated Lymphatics and Vascular Research, USA
Qiaoxi Yang
Beloit College, Beloit, WI, USA
Xiaohua Jiang
Lemole Center for Integrated Lymphatics and Vascular Research, USA; Metabolic Disease Research and Thrombosis Research Center, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
Hong Wang
Metabolic Disease Research and Thrombosis Research Center, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA
Xiaofeng Yang
Lemole Center for Integrated Lymphatics and Vascular Research, USA; Metabolic Disease Research and Thrombosis Research Center, Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA; Corresponding author. Lemole Center for Integrated Lymphatics and Vascular Research, Lewis Katz School of Medicine at Temple University, 3500 North Broad Street, Philadelphia, PA, 19140, USA.
Mitochondria, traditionally recognized as cellular 'powerhouses' due to their pivotal role in energy production, have emerged as multifunctional organelles at the intersection of bioenergetics, metabolic signaling, and immunity. However, the understanding of their exact contributions to immunity and inflammation is still developing. This review first introduces the innovative concept of intracellular immunity, emphasizing how mitochondria serve as critical immune signaling hubs. They are instrumental in recognizing and responding to pathogen and danger signals, and in modulating immune responses. We also propose mitochondria as the leading immune organelles, drawing parallels with the broader immune system in their functions of antigen presentation, immune regulation, and immune response. Our comprehensive review explores mitochondrial immune signaling pathways, their therapeutic potential in managing inflammation and chronic diseases, and discusses cutting-edge methodologies for mitochondrial research. Targeting a broad readership of both experts in mitochondrial functions and newcomers to the field, this review sets forth new directions that could transform our understanding of intracellular immunity and the integrated immune functions of intracellular organelles.
