Download Glycogen metabolism supports effector function and energy

Glycogen metabolism supports effector function and energy homeostasis of dendritic
cells
Phyu Thwe1, Saritha Beauchamp1, and Eyal Amiel1
Affiliation
Medical Laboratory and Radiation Sciences, Immunobiology Department
Background and Objective
Dendritic cells (DCs), professional antigen presenting cells of the immune system, serve as
a bridge between the innate and adaptive immune responses. Activation of DCs by a
stimulus through toll-like receptors (TLRs) is coupled with an increase in energy demand
fulfilled by a glycolytic burst, which provides DCs with molecular building blocks for their
effector function. Inhibition of glycolysis impairs the survival and effector function of activated
DCs. While non-immune cells such as hepatocytes are known to store glucose in the form of
glycogen as intracellular energy reserve, the role of glycogen metabolism in DCs has not
been studied. The purpose of this study is to understand the role and regulatory
mechanisms of glycogen metabolism in DC effector function.
Methods
We employ immunological techniques such as flow cytometry and enzyme linked
immunoabsorbent assays. We also use commercial biochemical assays such as glucose
and glycogen assays.
Results
We show that DCs express the enzymes essential for glycogen metabolism and that
glycogen metabolism is regulated upon TLR stimulation. We also demonstrate that inhibition
of glycogen metabolism impairs activation of these cells.
Discussion and Conclusions
Our work suggests that glycogen-derived glucose carbons feed into the tricarboxylic acid
cycle to support early maturation of DCs and that glycogen metabolism in DCs plays an
important role to support their effector function.