Abstract: Nutrients, including glucose, lipids and amino acids, fuel metabolic reprogramming of immune cells, and are closely linked to the proliferation, differentiation and function of diverse immune subsets. In this article, we provide a general framework for understanding the metabolic reprogramming and nutritional requirement of immune cells, competition for nutrients between different immune cells, and among immune cells, tumors, and pathogens. In addition, the impact of insufficient nutrients (glucose, lipids and amino acids) on the activation and function of immune cells are also illustrated. The information gathered in this review can be helpful to deeply understand the importance of nutrient availability in regulating immune responses, and potentially guide the prevention and treatment of immune-related diseases.

Key words: immune cells; metabolic reprogramming; glucose; lipids; amino acids; immune responses