Lötscher J, Universität und Universitätsspital Basel, Departement Biomedizin, Basel, Schweiz
Extracellular magnesium (Mg2+) has recently been identified as critical catalyzer of memory CD8+ T cell immunity. The cell surface co-stimulatory molecule LFA-1 requires extracellular Mg2+ to adopt its active conformation for augmenting T cell receptor-induced effector function. Accordingly, magnesium-sufficiency sensed via LFA-1 translates to superior performance of pathogen- and tumor-specific T cells. In retrospective analyses, low serum magnesium levels are associated with a faster disease progression and shorter overall survival of patients treated with CAR T cells and immune check point inhibitors.
In summary, the Mg2+-LFA-1 axis has therefore translational potential and clinical trials are needed to test the role Mg2+ as an immunomodulator in immunotherapy.
