Metabolic profiling of CD8+ T-lymphocytes and NK-cells in healthy donors

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DOI: 10.22138/2500-0918-2026-23-3-435-444

E.G. Orlova, O.L. Gorbunova

Institute of Ecology and Genetics of Microorganisms, Ural Branch Russian Academy of Sciences, Perm, Russian Federation

Abstract

Metabolic reorganization of immune cells is a key factor determining their effector potential. NK cells and CD8+T-lymphocytes perform similar cytotoxic functions, but their metabolic profiles may differ. Objective: to compare the basal level and stress-induced changes in mitochondrial respiration (OCR, oxygen consumption rate) and glycolysis (ECAR, extracellular acidification rate) parameters in NK cells and CD8+T-lymphocytes from peripheral blood of healthy donors. Materials and methods. The study included 7 healthy donors. NK cells and CD8+T-lymphocytes were isolated using immunomagnetic separation. The metabolic profile of the cells was assessed using a Seahorse XF96 analyzer. The oxygen consumption rate OCR and the acidification rate ECAR were assessed under basal conditions and after the addition of a stress solution of oligomycin+FCCP. Based on the measurement results, metabolic maps were constructed for CD8+T-lymphocytes and NK cells, and changes in the following parameters were calculated: OCR (∆OCR), ECAR (∆ECAR) and metabolic potential (% of basal level). Statistical analysis was performed using the paired Student's t-test. Results. Both cell types are characterized by a low basal level of metabolic activity (Quiescent), but NK cells have higher basal levels of OCR and ECAR than CD8+T-lymphocytes. When oligomycin+FCCP are added, CD8+T-lymphocytes switch to a predominant use of oxidative phosphorylation (Aerobic), while NK cells increase glycolysis (Glycolytic). The increase in OCR and ECAR relative to the basal level is also more pronounced in NK cells than in CD8+T-lymphocytes. Conclusion. NK cells have a significantly higher functional metabolic reserve than CD8+T-lymphocytes, which may reflect their readiness for a rapid effector response within the framework of innate immunity.

Keywords: NK cells, CD8+T-lymphocytes, metabolism, OCR, ECAR, Seahorse XF

There is no conflict of interest.

Contact details of the corresponding author

Ekaterina G. Orlova
orlova_katy@mail.ru
Received: 29.06.2026

For citation

Orlova E.G., Gorbunova O.L. Metabolic profiling of CD8+T-lymphocytes and NK-cells in healthy donors. Vestn. Ural. Med. Akad. Nauki. = Journal of Ural Medical Academic Science. 2026, Vol. 23, no. 3, pp. 435-444. DOI: 10.22138/2500-0918-2026-23-3-435-444 (In Russ)

Funding

The work was supported by grant of RSF (grant No 25-25-00388).

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Authors

Ekaterina G. Orlova
 Dr. Sci. (Biol.), Leading Researcher of the Laboratory of Immunoregulation
orlova_katy@mail.ru
ORCID ID: 0000-0003-1195-8962

Olga L. Gorbunova
Cand. Sci. (Biol.), Researcher of the Laboratory of Immunoregulation
olia15_77@mail.ru
ORCID ID: 0000-0002-7580-6848

Institute of Ecology and Genetics of Microorganisms, Ural Branch Russian Academy of Sciences (IEGM UB RAS)
Perm, Russian Federation

 
 
 

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