Itaconate boosts malaria via induction of PD-L1.

Min, Yukun; O'Neill, Luke A J · Cell Metab · 2024

Level V

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Abstract

The Krebs-cycle-derived metabolite itaconate has been shown to be immunomodulatory, targeting multiple processes in macrophages. Ramalho et al. reveal an additional role for itaconate in malaria.<sup>1</sup>Plasmodium Chabaudi induces itaconate in dendritic cells (DCs), leading to programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) induction. This suppresses CD8<sup>+</sup> T cells, important for host defense against malaria, thereby promoting parasitemia.

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