Mitochondrial fusion induced by transforming growth factor-β1 serves as a switch that governs the metabolic reprogramming during differentiation of regulatory T cells

Although metabolic reprogramming during the differentiation of regulatory T cells (Treg cells) has been extensively studied, the molecular switch to alter energy metabolism remains undefined. The present study explores the critical role of mitochondrial dynamics in the reprogramming and consequent generation of Treg cells. The results showed that during Treg cell differentiation, mitochondrial fusion but not fission led to elevation of oxygen consumption rate values, facilitation of metabolic reprogramming, and increase of number of Treg cells and expression of Foxp3 in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, mitochondrial fusion favored fatty acid oxidation but restricted glycolysis in Treg cells through down-regulating the expression of HIF-1 alpha. Transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) played a crucial role in the induction of mitochondrial fusion, which activated Smad2/3, promoted the expression of PGC-1 alpha and therefore facilitated the expression of mitochondrial fusion proteins. In conclusion, during Treg cell differentiation, TGF-beta 1 promotes PGC-1 alpha-mediated mitochondrial fusion, which drives metabolic reprogramming from glycolysis to fatty acid oxidation via suppressing HIF-1 alpha expression, and therefore favors the generation of Treg cells. The signals and proteins involved in mitochondrial fusion are potential therapeutic targets for Treg cell-related diseases.