GLUT3 regulates alternative macrophage signaling through a glucose transport–independent role

Macrophages are key mediators of innate immunity whose functional state can be regulated by glucose transporters. Although abundantly expressed in macrophages, the specific function of GLUT3, an isoform of facilitative glucose transporters, has not been clearly established. In this issue of the JCI,...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Peng Zhang, Jason Miska, Amy B. Heimberger
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: American Society for Clinical Investigation 2023-11-01
Series:The Journal of Clinical Investigation
Online Access:https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI174540
Description
Summary:Macrophages are key mediators of innate immunity whose functional state can be regulated by glucose transporters. Although abundantly expressed in macrophages, the specific function of GLUT3, an isoform of facilitative glucose transporters, has not been clearly established. In this issue of the JCI, Dong-Min Yu and colleagues identify an alternative role for GLUT3 in promoting M2 macrophage polarization. The authors demonstrated that GLUT3 was upregulated upon M2 stimulation and was required for efficient alternative macrophage polarization and function. They further showed that GLUT3-induced M2 polarization was independent of glucose transport and functioned through Ras-mediated regulation of IL-4R endocytosis and IL-4/STAT6 activation. These findings may guide the development of macrophage-targeted treatments.
ISSN:1558-8238