Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026
10:44
Two-photon Imaging of Cellular Dynamics in the Mouse Spinal Cord
Published on: February 22, 2015
PKM2 works "off the books" to drive effector T cell function in MS
Alexia Falle1,2, Manu Rangachari1,2
1Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.
Science Immunology
|August 7, 2026
Summary
Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) has noncanonical functions that promote harmful T cell activity in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease affecting the central nervous system.
- T cells play a critical role in the pathogenesis of MS.
- The role of pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) in T cell function in MS is not fully understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the noncanonical functions of PKM2 in T cells.
- To determine the impact of PKM2 on pathogenic T cell responses in MS.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of PKM2 expression and activity in T cells from MS patients.
- In vitro studies using T cell models to assess the effects of PKM2 modulation.
- In vivo studies using animal models of MS.
Main Results:
- PKM2 exhibits noncanonical functions in T cells from MS patients.
- These noncanonical functions contribute to aberrant T cell activation and pathogenicity.
- Targeting PKM2 may represent a therapeutic strategy for MS.
Conclusions:
- Noncanonical PKM2 functions are crucial drivers of pathogenic T cell responses in MS.
- PKM2 is a potential therapeutic target for multiple sclerosis.
Related Concept Videos
01:24T Cell Types and Functions
When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
02:23Abnormal Proliferation
Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the daughter...