Glucose-dependent glycosphingolipid biosynthesis fuels CD8+ T cell function and tumor control

Abstract

Glucose is essential for T cell proliferation and function, yet its specific metabolic roles in vivo remain poorly defined. Here, we identify glycosphingolipid (GSL) biosynthesis as a key pathway fueled by glucose that enables CD8⁺ T cell expansion and cytotoxic function in vivo. Using ¹³C-based stable isotope tracing, we demonstrate that CD8⁺ effector T cells use glucose to synthesize uridine diphosphate-glucose (UDP-Glc), a precursor for glycogen, glycan, and GSL biosynthesis. Inhibiting GSL production by targeting the enzymes UDP-Glc pyrophosphorylase 2 (UGP2), UDP-Gal-4-epimerase (GALE), or UDP-Glc ceramide glucosyltransferase (UGCG) impairs CD8⁺ T cell expansion upon pathogen challenge. Mechanistically, we show that glucose-dependent GSL biosynthesis is required for plasma membrane lipid raft integrity and optimal T cell receptor (TCR) signaling. Moreover, UGCG-deficient CD8⁺ T cells display reduced granzyme expression, cytolytic activity, and tumor control in vivo. Together, our data establish GSL biosynthesis as a critical metabolic fate of glucose—beyond energy production—that is required for CD8⁺ T cell responses in vivo.