Proinflammatory and Immunoregulatory Roles of Eicosanoids in T Cells

Eicosanoids are inflammatory mediators primarily generated by hydrolysis of membrane phospholipids by phospholipase A2 to ω-3 and ω-6 C(20) fatty acids that next are converted to leukotrienes (LTs), prostaglandins (PGs), prostacyclins (PCs), and thromboxanes (TXAs). The rate-limiting and tightly regulated lipoxygenases control synthesis of LTs while the equally well-controlled cyclooxygenases 1 and 2 generate prostanoids, including PGs, PCs, and TXAs. While many of the classical signs of inflammation such as redness, swelling, pain, and heat are caused by eicosanoid species with vasoactive, pyretic, and pain-inducing effects locally, some eicosanoids also regulate T cell functions. Here, we will review eicosanoid production in T cell subsets and the inflammatory and immunoregulatory functions of LTs, PGs, PCs, and TXAs in T cells.