Jarvis et al demonstrate that expanded human Tregs switch their metabolism to aerobic glycolysis and show enhanced suppressive function through hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF1A)-driven acquisition of CD73 expression, which along with CD39, enables expanded Tregs to convert ATP to immunosuppressive adenosine. Given this, the data suggests that Treg expansion protocols should be optimised for CD39/CD73 co-expression to enhance therapeutic potential.
- Lorna B. Jarvis
- Daniel B. Rainbow
- Joanne L. Jones