Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 17, 2026
06:28
A Simple Flow Cytometric Method to Measure Glucose Uptake and Glucose Transporter Expression for Monocyte Subpopulations in Whole Blood
Published on: August 12, 2016
17.4K
Long-Lived Plasma Cells Have a Sweet Tooth
Lynn M Corcoran1, Stephen L Nutt1
1The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Molecular Immunology Division, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia; Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria 3052, Australia.
Immunity
|July 21, 2016
Summary
Long-lived plasma cells (LLPCs) survive longer by importing more glucose. This sugar fuels both energy production and essential antibody glycosylation for robust immunity.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Metabolism
Background:
- Long-lived plasma cells (LLPCs) are crucial for long-term humoral immunity, providing sustained antibody production.
- Understanding the metabolic adaptations enabling LLPC longevity is vital for immune system research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the metabolic mechanisms underlying the enhanced survival of long-lived plasma cells.
- To determine the role of glucose metabolism in LLPC function and longevity.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of glucose uptake in LLPCs compared to other B cell populations.
- Metabolic flux analysis to quantify glucose utilization pathways (glycolysis, glycosylation).
Main Results:
- LLPCs exhibit significantly higher rates of glucose import compared to short-lived plasma cells.
- A substantial portion of imported glucose is utilized for antibody glycosylation, not just glycolysis.
- This increased glucose metabolism is directly linked to LLPC survival capacity.
Conclusions:
- Enhanced glucose import and utilization are critical for the survival of long-lived plasma cells.
- Antibody glycosylation represents a major metabolic demand for LLPCs, contributing to their longevity.
- Targeting LLPC metabolism could offer new strategies for modulating immune responses.
Related Concept Videos
01:16Hormones Regulating Blood Glucose
8.1K
Insulin is released by beta cells of the pancreas when blood glucose levels are high. It facilitates glucose absorption and utilization in insulin-dependent cells with insulin receptors on their plasma membranes. Insulin promotes glucose uptake by increasing the number of glucose transport proteins in the cell membrane, allowing glucose to enter the cell. As a result, glucose utilization and ATP production are enhanced.
In addition to accelerating glucose uptake and utilization, insulin has...
In addition to accelerating glucose uptake and utilization, insulin has...
8.1K
01:02Glucose Homeostasis: Regulation of Blood Glucose
5.0K
Carbohydrates consumed through foods are converted into glucose, a crucial energy source for the body. In the prandial state, high blood glucose levels stimulate the secretion of insulin from the pancreas. Insulin inhibits hepatic glucose production and stimulates glucose uptake and metabolism by muscle and adipose tissue. The excess glucose is converted into glycogen and stored in the liver and muscles.
During fasting, when blood glucose levels are low, the pancreas secretes glucagon. it...
During fasting, when blood glucose levels are low, the pancreas secretes glucagon. it...
5.0K
01:27Glucose Homeostasis: Pancreatic Islets and Insulin Secretion
3.0K
The pancreatic islets comprising only 1%-2% of the volume are highly vascularized and innervated mini-organs. They contain five endocrine cell types, including β cells that secrete insulin, which is synthesized as a single polypeptide chain, preproinsulin, processed to proinsulin, and finally to insulin and C-peptide. This process is complex and regulated, involving the Golgi complex, the endoplasmic reticulum, and the secretory granules of the β cell.
Insulin and C-peptide are...
Insulin and C-peptide are...
3.0K
01:26Glucose Absorption Into the Small Intestine
37.0K
Complex carbohydrates consumed cannot be absorbed into the small intestine in their original form. First, they must be hydrolyzed to a monosaccharide form such as glucose or galactose. These monosaccharides are then transported across the intestinal membrane and into the blood via transcellular transport. The intestinal epithelial cells allow the movement of these monosaccharides with a defined 'entry' through membrane transporter proteins present on their apical membrane and...
37.0K
01:18Metabolic States of the Body: The Postabsorptive State
1.5K
The postabsorptive state usually starts about four hours after a meal and lasts until the next meal is eaten. During this time, the digestive system stops absorbing nutrients, and the body uses stored energy reserves to maintain stable blood glucose levels.
Initially, glycogen stored in the liver is broken down to release glucose into the bloodstream, while glycogen in the muscles is broken down to supply glucose for energy directly within the muscle cells. As glycogen stores diminish,...
Initially, glycogen stored in the liver is broken down to release glucose into the bloodstream, while glycogen in the muscles is broken down to supply glucose for energy directly within the muscle cells. As glycogen stores diminish,...
1.5K
01:58Cell Specific Gene Expression
16.8K
Multicellular organisms contain a variety of structurally and functionally distinct cell types, but the DNA in all the cells originated from the same parent cells. The differences in the cells can be attributed to the differential gene expression. Liver cells, whose functions include detoxification of blood, production of bile to metabolize fats, and synthesis of proteins essential for metabolism, must express a specific set of genes to perform their functions. Gene expression also varies with...
16.8K