O-GlcNAcylation in Macrophage Functions

Macrophages are central effectors of the immune system. These cells exhibit a wide range of functions, including inflammation, phagocytosis, antigen presentation, cytokine secretion, and tissue repair, all of which are tightly coupled to their metabolic state. O-GlcNAcylation, a reversible post-translational modification catalyzed exclusively by OGT and OGA, integrates glucose flux through the hexosamine biosynthetic pathway with the regulation of key immune mechanisms. This review evaluates the effect of O-GlcNAcylation on the expression and localization of pattern recognition receptors, endosome maturation, phagocytic capacity, reactive oxygen species production, and pro- and anti-inflammatory polarization.