Glutamine metabolism affects T cell signaling and function

(Vanderbilt University Medical Center) The cellular nutrient glutamine launches a metabolic signaling pathway that promotes the function of some immune system T cells and suppresses others, Vanderbilt researchers have discovered.They show that a drug that inhibits glutamine metabolism -- currently in clinical trials as an anticancer agent -- might be useful as a treatment for inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. The study, published online this week in the journal Cell, also suggests strategies for using the drug to enhance cancer immunotherapies.
Source: EurekAlert! - Cancer - Category: Cancer & Oncology Source Type: news