HIF1α–dependent glycolytic pathway orchestrates a metabolic checkpoint for the differentiation of TH17 and Treg cells

Upon antigen stimulation, the bioenergetic demands of T cells increase dramatically over the resting state. Although a role for the metabolic switch to glycolysis has been suggested to support increased anabolic activities and facilitate T cell growth and proliferation, whether cellular metabolism controls T cell lineage choices remains poorly understood. We report that the glycolytic pathway is actively regulated during the differentiation of inflammatory T(H)17 and Foxp3-expressing regulatory T cells (T(reg) cells) and controls cell fate determination. T(H)17 but not T(reg) cell-inducing conditions resulted in strong up-regulation of the glycolytic activity and induction of glycolytic enzymes. Blocking…

• AL
  American Lebanese Syrian Associated Charities
• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Awards: AI40646, NS064599, AI44828, AI47891