FeS clusters and FeS proteins serve both catalytic and structural roles in a range of biological and metabolic processes yet their role in the development, maturation and function of immune cells remains enigmatic. As our understanding of the rapidly emerging field of immunometabolism expands, we are now beginning to appreciate that FeS containing proteins are essential for the correct functioning of key metabolic pathways (e.g., glycolysis, fatty acid oxidation, the tricarboxylic acid cycle, etc.) engaged by naïve and effector immune cells of both the innate and adaptive immune system. However, little is known about the regulation of FeS cluster biology during the response of immune cells to viral or bacterial infections or the role of FeS containing proteins in the development and maturation of immune cells.   

This WG aims to study the cellular function of FeS clusters and proteins in the immune response with a focus on:

1. How FeS enzymes or FeS biogenesis processes are altered in macrophages or other immune cells in response to infection?

2. Does the FeS biogenesis machinery support and control metabolic plasticity in macrophages and other immune cells in their naïve state or in response to viral or bacterial infections?

3. The role of FeS proteins in the development, differentiation, or maturation of immune cells.