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.
Yoko
Y
Kidani
Steven J
SJ
Bensinger
D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000166:cytology*; D005260:Female; D005786:Gene Expression Regulation; D006028:Glycosphingolipids / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000097:blood* / Q000276:immunology*; D008297:Male
D006028:Glycosphingolipids