Subset-Specific Mitochondrial Stress and DNA Damage Shape T Cell Responses to Fever and Inflammation

Abstract

Heat is a cardinal feature of inflammation, yet impacts on immune cells remain uncertain. We show that moderate-grade fever temperatures (39°C) increased murine CD4 T cell metabolism, proliferation, and inflammatory effector activity while decreasing regulatory T cell (Treg) suppressive capacity. However, heat-exposed T helper 1 (Th1) cells selectively developed mitochondrial stress and DNA damage that activated Trp53 and STING pathways. Although many Th1 cells subjected to such temperatures died, surviving Th1 cells exhibited increased mitochondrial mass and enhanced activity. Electron transport chain complex 1 (ETC1) was rapidly impaired under fever-range temperatures, a phenomenon that was specifically detrimental to Th1 cells. Th1 cells with elevated DNA damage and ETC1 signatures were also detected in human chronic inflammation. Fever-relevant temperatures thus disrupt ETC1 to selectively drive apoptosis or adaptation of Th1 cells to maintain genomic integrity and enhance effector functions.