Glutamine metabolism in Th17/Treg cell fate: applications in Th17 cell-associated diseases

Sci China Life Sci. 2021 Feb;64(2):221-233. doi: 10.1007/s11427-020-1703-2. Epub 2020 Jul 13.

Abstract

Alteration in the Th17/Treg cell balance is implicated in various autoimmune diseases and these disease-associated pathologies. Increasing investigations have shown that glutamine metabolism regulates the differentiation of Th17 and Treg cells. Here we summarize the mechanisms by which glutamine metabolism regulates Th17/Treg cell fate. Some examples of a glutamine metabolism-dependent modulation of the development and progression of several Th17 Treg cell-associated diseases are provided afterward. This review will provide a comprehensive understanding of the importance of glutamine metabolism in the fate of Th17 Treg cell differentiation.

Keywords: Th17 cells; Treg cells; UDP-GlcNAc; glutamine; mTOR.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Transport Systems / immunology
  • Amino Acid Transport Systems / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Autoimmune Diseases / immunology*
  • Autoimmune Diseases / metabolism
  • Autophagy / immunology
  • Cell Differentiation / immunology*
  • Glutamine / immunology*
  • Glutamine / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Signal Transduction / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / cytology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / metabolism
  • Th17 Cells / cytology
  • Th17 Cells / immunology*
  • Th17 Cells / metabolism

Substances

  • Amino Acid Transport Systems
  • Glutamine