Immunometabolism and the modulation of immune responses and host defense: A role for methylglyoxal?

Xiaodi Zhang, Casper G Schalkwijk, Kristiaan Wouters*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

The immune system plays an essential role in protecting the body against pathogens. Immune cells are activated during infections, resulting in a metabolic shift from oxidative phosphorylation to glycolysis. During glycolysis, methylglyoxal (MGO) can be formed as a by-product. As a highly reactive dicarbonyl compound, MGO can rapidly react with proteins to form advanced glycation end products (AGEs). MGO and MGO-derived AGEs have been implicated in the development of insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes and its complications and several other age-related inflammatory diseases. MGO has been found in adipose tissue, atherosclerosis plaques and inflamed livers. Aside from the potential harmful role of MGO, there are studies showing beneficial effects of MGO as a defense mechanism during infections and diseases. In this review, we summarize anti-microbial effects of MGO and the link between MGO and immune cell activation, as potential mediator during host defense.

Original languageEnglish
Article number166425
Number of pages9
JournalBiochimica et Biophysica Acta-Molecular Basis of Disease
Volume1868
Issue number8
Early online date30 Apr 2022
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 1 Aug 2022

Keywords

  • ADVANCED GLYCATION ENDPRODUCTS
  • ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY
  • Advanced glycation endproducts
  • BOVINE SERUM-ALBUMIN
  • END-PRODUCTS
  • GLYOXALASE-I
  • Hyperglycemia
  • Immunity
  • Immunometabolism
  • LEUKOCYTE RECRUITMENT
  • Leukocytes
  • MANUKA HONEY
  • MONOCYTIC THP-1 CELLS
  • Methylglyoxal
  • N-TERMINAL KINASE
  • NECROSIS-FACTOR-ALPHA

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