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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2018 Jul 5.
Published in final edited form as: Cell Metab. 2017 Jul 5;26(1):94–109. doi: 10.1016/j.cmet.2017.06.016

Figure 2. Alterations in metabolic characteristics accompany T cell differentiation.

Figure 2

Naïve T cells, upon antigen encounter, undergo activation and differentiate into TSCM, TCM and effector T cells. This differentiation is marked by the expression of various cell surface markers and transcription factors along with profound alterations in cellular metabolic pathways. In general, T cell activation and differentiation is characterized by increased reliance on glycolysis and mitochondrial membrane potential. These metabolic pathways are critical to mediate effector function of T cells responding to infection and cancer.