Uncoupling protein UCP2: when mitochondrial activity meets immunity.

TitleUncoupling protein UCP2: when mitochondrial activity meets immunity.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2010
AuthorsEmre, Y, N T
JournalFEBS Lett
Volume584
Pagination1437–1442
Date PublishedApr
KeywordsAnimals, deficiency/metabolism, Genomics, Humans, Immunity, immunology/metabolism, Ion Channels, Macrophages, metabolism, Mitochondria, Mitochondrial Proteins, Signal Transduction
AbstractUncoupling protein 2 (UCP2) belongs to the family of mitochondrial carriers. Here, we highlight recent findings regarding UCP2 function in the immune system. UCP2 controls immune cell activation by modulating MAPK pathways and the production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species. In several models of infection, inflammation and autoimmunity, a regulatory impact of UCP2 was demonstrated by its direct implication in the production of cytokines and nitric oxide and in cell migration. In addition, UCP2 is reported as a key protein for oxidation of fatty acids, glutamine and glucose. Therefore we present a model of how the regulation of nutrient oxidation by UCP2 promotes immune cell activation.
URLhttp://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.febslet.2010.03.014
DOI10.1016/j.febslet.2010.03.014