Figure 1.

Autoreactive Th1 and Th17 T cell responses rely on glycolysis while immunosuppressive Treg cells utilize oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos). Th1 cells contribute to β-cell death and destruction in type 1 diabetes (T1D) and Th17 cells contribute to pathogenesis of other T-cell mediated diseases including multiple sclerosis (MS), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Upon activation, naïve T cells will metabolically shift from OxPhos-dependence to a balance between glycolysis and OxPhos. Throughout early activation and differentiation, this balance is maintained until a commitment toward an effector function is achieved. Once fully differentiated, autoreactive Th1 and Th17 cells utilize glycolysis for homeostasis and maintenance while immunosuppressive Treg cells rely on OxPhos.