Figure 5.

Correlation between mitochondrial metabolic pathways and innate immune cells. (A) Schematic representation of the distribution of innate immune cells under normal versus pathological conditions. During the development of pSS, apoptotic glandular epithelial cells release pro-inflammatory factors and ROS. ROS triggers mitochondrial apoptosis by regulating Bcl-2 expression, and scattered innate immune cells (macrophages, NK cells and neutrophils) are attracted to the inflamed sites. To meet the energy demands associated with inflammatory responses, these innate immune cells may have different energy metabolism mechanisms (such as mitochondrial OXPHOS) to produce ATP. (B) Correlation between the abundance of innate immune cells, namely, DC1, NK cells and myeloid cells, and the activity of mitochondrial metabolic pathways. (C) Correlation between the abundance of innate immune cells, namely, type 1 and 2 monocytes and M1 and M2 macrophages, and the activity of mitochondrial metabolic pathways. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mantel test, with the yellow line indicating p < 0.01 and the light yellow line indicating 0.01 < p < 0.05. The edge width corresponds to the r-value (Mantel test), and the edge colour indicates statistical significance. The relationship between variables was examined by estimating Pearson correlation coefficients. (D) Schematic diagram demonstrating that innate immune cells (such as macrophages and dendritic cells [DCs]) not only initiate immune responses but also simultaneously transfer the signal to lymphocytes and activate the adaptive immune response.