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Human CD8+ T-cells Require Glycolysis to Elicit Effector Function

Stimpson, S. E.; Chen, J.; Newby, B. N.; Khattri, R.; Chapman, H. D.; Angelini, T. E.; Merritt, M. E.; Serreze, D. V.; Mathews, C. E.

2020-02-06 immunology
10.1101/2020.02.05.935627 bioRxiv
Show abstract

Targeting human T-cell metabolism for modulating immune function requires an understanding of macronutrient utilization. Using metabolic inhibition during activation of human naive CD8+ T-cells, we demonstrate blocking glycolysis or mitochondrial respiration prevents T-cell proliferation. However, after activation and differentiation, the metabolic program changes. Inhibition of glycolysis abolished cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) activity, whereas mitochondrial inhibition had no effect on CTL lytic function. Studies with uniformly labeled 13C-glucose confirmed CTL convert the majority of glucose to lactate. The role of glycolysis in CTL function was assessed using NOD models of Type 1 diabetes (T1D). Treatment of NOD models with a glycolysis inhibitor resulted in reduced and delayed T1D incidence and significantly preserved {beta}-cell mass. We conclude glycolysis and mitochondrial ATP production are essential for efficient T-cell activation, but only glycolysis is essential for CTL lytic function. These data suggest targeting glycolysis in CTLs is a promising pathway to prevent T-cell-mediated autoimmunity.

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