Modulation of PKM2 inhibits follicular helper T cell differentiation and ameliorates inflammation in lupus-prone mice.

Objectives: Expansion of follicular helper T (Tfh) cells and abnormal glucose metabolism are present in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) is one of the key glycolytic enzymes, and the underlying mechanism of PKM2-mediated Tfh cell glycolysis in SLE pathogenesis remains elusive.

Methods: We analyzed the percentage of Tfh cells and glycolysis in CD4 T cells from SLE patients and healthy donors and performed RNA sequencing analysis of peripheral blood CD4 T cells and differentiated Tfh cells from SLE patients.