Interplay between metabolic reprogramming and post-translational modifications: from glycolysis to lactylation

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Cellular Metabolism
• Epigenetics

Background:

• Cellular metabolism dictates cell fate and function.
• Quiescent T cells rely on oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) for survival.
• Antigen activation triggers rapid T cell metabolic reprogramming, favoring glycolysis for proliferation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review T cell metabolic reprogramming and its impact on immune function.
• To explore the role of lactate and lactylation in cellular regulation.
• To elucidate the intersection of metabolic reprogramming and epigenetics.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on T cell metabolism, lactate, and epigenetics.
• Analysis of metabolic pathways (glycolysis, OXPHOS) in T cells.
• Examination of histone lactylation as a regulatory mechanism.

Main Results:

• T cell activation significantly shifts metabolism towards glycolysis.
• Lactate, a glycolysis byproduct, directly modifies histones (lactylation).
• Lactylation influences gene transcription and cellular functions.

Conclusions:

• Metabolic reprogramming is crucial for T cell activation and function.
• Lactate-mediated lactylation represents a novel epigenetic regulatory pathway.
• Understanding these metabolic and epigenetic interactions is vital for immune regulation and disease.