A new twist in metabolic T cell exhaustion.

Metabolic reprogramming of T lymphocytes has a decisive role in their activation, differentiation, and functional fate commitment. Metabolic reprogramming guides not only the generation of T effector and T memory cells but also the development of dysfunctional exhausted (TEX) cells. A recent study by Haku et al published in Nature Immunology provides new insights into the role of mitochondria in regulating the metabolic capabilities of TEX cells and their implications for antitumor immunity.