Mitochondria may control immune cell activation and the effectiveness of immunotherapy

A study led by researchers at the Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC) has identified a mitochondrial checkpoint that enables dendritic cells to efficiently activate T lymphocytes against viruses and tumors. Dendritic cells are immune cells that detect threats and activate the body's defenses, acting as sentinels that instruct T lymphocytes on what to attack.