Mitochondrial Regulation of CD8⁺ T Cells: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Modulation

Mitochondria are integral to the regulation of CD8⁺ T cell function, critically influencing processes such as activation, differentiation, and long-term persistence during immune responses. Emerging evidence highlights the detrimental impact of mitochondrial dysfunction on CD8⁺ T cell activity, contributing to immune exhaustion and impairing both antitumor and antiviral immunity. This underscores the importance of understanding and modulating mitochondrial dynamics to optimize T cell-based immunotherapies. In this review, a comprehensive and in-depth analysis of the essential mitochondrial processes-including biogenesis, redox homeostasis, and metabolic reprogramming is provided-that govern CD8⁺ T cell function and are intricately linked to their therapeutic potential. The current strategies aimed at enhancing mitochondrial function in CD8⁺ T cells are also examined, focusing on both metabolic reprogramming and mitochondrial-targeted interventions. Despite these promising approaches, several significant challenges remain, such as achieving selective targeting, addressing mitochondrial plasticity, and mitigating off-target effects. Overcoming these obstacles will be crucial to improving the clinical efficacy and safety of mitochondrial modulation therapies. As the understanding of mitochondrial dynamics within CD8⁺ T cells continues to evolve, there is growing potential to leverage these insights to improve immune-based therapies across a range of diseases, including cancer and viral infections.