Lipids rule: resetting lipid metabolism restores T cell function in systemic lupus erythematosus

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a devastating autoimmune disease characterized by chronic inflammation and systemic destruction of host organs or tissue. A key feature of SLE is T cell dysfunction characterized by hyperresponsive antigen receptor signaling. In this issue of the JCI, McDonald and colleagues provide evidence that homeostasis of a subset of lipids, the glycosphingolipids (GSLs), is severely perturbed in the membranes of T cells from SLE patients. Furthermore, normalization of GSLs restored TCR signaling and ameliorated T cell dysfunction. These data suggest that targeting host metabolism may be an effective means of reinforcing self-tolerance and attenuating autoimmunity.