A new study from the Van Andel Institute shows that glucose, beyond serving as fuel, strengthens immune cells known as T cells in their fight against cancer.
Published September 2 in Cell Metabolism and reported by Drug Target Review, the research reveals glucose helps T cells build glycosphingolipids (GSLs) — sugar-fat compounds that form “lipid rafts.” These rafts act as command centres, boosting T cells’ signals to attack tumours.
“We knew glucose was essential, but it’s not just fuel,” said Dr. Joseph Longo, the study’s first author. “It builds GSLs that are crucial for T cell growth and activity.”
Senior author Dr. Russell Jones added that understanding how glucose supports immune cells could improve immunotherapies and make cancer cells more vulnerable.
Funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health, the discovery opens new doors for developing smarter cancer treatments.