ObjectivesLow temperatures reduce T-cell motility; however, the mechanisms by which T cells adapt to low-temperature environments remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated how T cells respond and adapt to subphysiological temperatures.MethodsConalbumin-specific D10 T cells were analyzed by time-lapse live-cell imaging using an inverted microscope equipped with a temperature-controlled chamber.
Cellular respiration was assessed using a Seahorse XFe96 analyzer, and transcriptomic changes were examined by RNA sequencing.ResultsAt 37°C, T cells exhibited active lamellipodia-driven migration. Reducing the temperature below 32°C progressively suppressed crawling motility, accompanied by increased cell rounding.
At 26°C, motility was markedly reduced in non-acclimated T cells. Unexpectedly, T cells transiently exposed to low temperatures during routine passaging retained motility under cold conditions, suggesting the induction of cold acclimation.
Consistent with this interpretation, T cells cultured at temperatures between 30°C and 26°C for 24 h exhibited enhanced motility when evaluated at the corresponding temperatures compared with non-acclimated cells, with the most pronounced functional difference observed at 26°C. Cold acclimation at 26°C was also associated with a marked increase in mitochondrial spare respiratory capacity.
Frontiers in Immunology published a clinical update in Infectious Disease on 10 Apr 2026.
The item focuses on Adaptive restoration of T-cell motility by cold acclimation through metabolic and transcriptional remodeling.
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