Glucose promotes regulatory T cell differentiation to maintain intestinal homeostasis

Yu Yu, Wenjing Yang, Tianming Yu, Xiaojing Zhao, Zheng Zhou, Yanbo Yu, Lifeng Xiong, Hui Yang, Anthony J. Bilotta, Suxia Yao, George Golovko, Agustin Plasencia, Francisco J. Quintana, Liang Zhou, Yanqing Li, Yingzi Cong

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Glucose, the critical energy source in the human body, is considered a potential risk factor in various autoimmune diseases when consumed in high amounts. However, the roles of glucose at moderate doses in the regulation of autoimmune inflammatory diseases and CD4+ T cell responses are controversial. Here, we show that while glucose at a high concentration (20% w/v) promotes intestinal inflammation, it suppresses colitis at a moderate dose (6% w/v), which increases the proportion of intestinal regulatory T (Treg) cells but does not affect effector CD4+ T cells. Glucose treatment promotes Treg cell differentiation but it does not affect Treg stability. Feeding glucose alters gut microbiota compositions, which are not involved in the glucose induction of Treg cells. Glucose promotes aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) activation to induce Treg polarization. These findings reveal the different effects of glucose at different doses on the intestinal immune response.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Article number105004
JournaliScience
Volume25
Issue number9
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 16 2022

Keywords

  • Biological sciences
  • Cell biology
  • Components of the immune system
  • Immunology

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Glucose promotes regulatory T cell differentiation to maintain intestinal homeostasis'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this