Inhibition of glucose metabolism selectively targets autoreactive follicular helper T cells

Seung-Chul Choi, Anton A. Titov, Georges Abboud, Howard R. Seay, Todd M. Brusko, Derry C. Roopenian, Shahram Salek-Ardakani and Laurence Morel ()
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Seung-Chul Choi: University of Florida
Anton A. Titov: University of Florida
Georges Abboud: University of Florida
Howard R. Seay: University of Florida
Todd M. Brusko: University of Florida
Derry C. Roopenian: The Jackson Laboratory
Shahram Salek-Ardakani: University of Florida
Laurence Morel: University of Florida

Nature Communications, 2018, vol. 9, issue 1, 1-13

Abstract: Abstract Follicular helper T (TFH) cells are expanded in systemic lupus erythematosus, where they are required to produce high affinity autoantibodies. Eliminating TFH cells would, however compromise the production of protective antibodies against viral and bacterial pathogens. Here we show that inhibiting glucose metabolism results in a drastic reduction of the frequency and number of TFH cells in lupus-prone mice. However, this inhibition has little effect on the production of T-cell-dependent antibodies following immunization with an exogenous antigen or on the frequency of virus-specific TFH cells induced by infection with influenza. In contrast, glutaminolysis inhibition reduces both immunization-induced and autoimmune TFH cells and humoral responses. Solute transporter gene signature suggests different glucose and amino acid fluxes between autoimmune TFH cells and exogenous antigen-specific TFH cells. Thus, blocking glucose metabolism may provide an effective therapeutic approach to treat systemic autoimmunity by eliminating autoreactive TFH cells while preserving protective immunity against pathogens.

Date: 2018
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-018-06686-0

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