A Trinity College Dublin research team has uncovered a critical role for a protein called ‘PKM2’ in the regulation of immune cell types at the heart of multiple inflammatory diseases.

PKM2 potential therapeutic target

The work identifies PKM2 as a potential therapeutic target for treating a host of diseases mediated by over-active immune cells, such as psoriasis and multiple sclerosis.

The findings are reported today in the world’s leading metabolism journal 'Cell Metabolism' – with the chief discovery being that PKM2 is a central ‘on’ switch for these cells.

Lead author Stefano Angiari, working with a team led by Luke O’Neill, professor of biochemistry in the School of Biochemistry and Immunology in the Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, has been exploring the role of PKM2 in the regulation of two cell types called ‘Th17’ and ‘Th1’ cells.

Autoimmune diseases

Dr Stefano Angiari said: "Th17 and Th1 cells are very important for the damage that happens in autoimmune diseases such as psoriasis and multiple sclerosis. We have found that interfering with PKM2 blocks these cells and limits inflammation."

Prof O’Neill added: "PKM2 is a fascinating protein that has a role in how cells use glucose for energy, but it also moonlights in the immune system, where we have found it can be especially troublesome.

"We are currently exploring it as a new target for therapies that might work in patients with diseases like psoriasis and multiple sclerosis, where treatment options are limited."

The study was funded by the EU Marie Curie programme (which funded Dr Angiari), and the Wellcome Trust.