Effects of altered glycolysis levels on CD8+ T cell activation and function

Jiaying Cao; Shan Liao; Feng Zeng; Qianjin Liao; Gengqiu Luo; Yanhong Zhou

doi:10.1038/s41419-023-05937-3

Effects of altered glycolysis levels on CD8⁺ T cell activation and function

Cell Death Dis. 2023 Jul 8;14(7):407. doi: 10.1038/s41419-023-05937-3.

Authors

Jiaying Cao^{1

2

3}, Shan Liao⁴, Feng Zeng^{1

2

3}, Qianjin Liao³, Gengqiu Luo⁵, Yanhong Zhou^{6

7

8}

Affiliations

¹ NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China.
² Cancer Research Institute, Basic School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China.
³ Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China.
⁴ Department of Pathology, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China.
⁵ Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Basic School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China. luogengqiu@csu.edu.cn.
⁶ NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China. zhouyanhong@csu.edu.cn.
⁷ Cancer Research Institute, Basic School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410078, China. zhouyanhong@csu.edu.cn.
⁸ Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410013, China. zhouyanhong@csu.edu.cn.

Abstract

CD8⁺ T cells are an important component of the body's adaptive immune response. During viral or intracellular bacterial infections, CD8⁺ T cells are rapidly activated and differentiated to exert their immune function by producing cytokines. Alterations in the glycolysis of CD8⁺ T cells have an important effect on their activation and function, while glycolysis is important for CD8⁺ T cell functional failure and recovery. This paper summarizes the importance of CD8⁺ T cell glycolysis in the immune system. We discuss the link between glycolysis and CD8⁺ T cell activation, differentiation, and proliferation, and the effect of altered glycolysis on CD8⁺ T cell function. In addition, potential molecular targets to enhance and restore the immune function of CD8⁺ T cells by affecting glycolysis and the link between glycolysis and CD8⁺ T cell senescence are summarized. This review provides new insights into the relationship between glycolysis and CD8⁺ T cell function, and proposes novel strategies for immunotherapy by targeting glycolysis.

Publication types

Review
Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes*
Cell Differentiation
Cytokines* / metabolism
Glycolysis
Lymphocyte Activation

Substances

Cytokines