Fructose utilization by GM-CSF-differentiated macrophages aggravates autoimmune inflammation via MG-derived AGE-RAGE signaling

Abstract

Excessive fructose intake is increasingly associated with metabolic and inflammatory pathologies; however, the direct impact of fructose metabolism on immune cell function remains insufficiently understood. Here, we demonstrate that GM-CSF-differentiated macrophages markedly upregulate the fructose-specific transporter GLUT5, enabling efficient fructose utilization through two complementary metabolic pathways. Using 13C-fructose tracing, we identified distinct carbon fluxes via a hexokinase (HK)-dependent glycolytic route and a ketohexokinase (KHK)-ALDOB-mediated fructolytic route. The HK-dependent pathway sustains glycolytic activity under glucose-limiting conditions, stabilizing HIF-1 and preserving pro-inflammatory gene expression. Conversely, the KHK-ALDOB axis increases dihydroxyacetone phosphate (DHAP) production, leading to methylglyoxal-derived advanced glycation end-products (MG-AGEs) that engage receptor for AGE (RAGE) signaling. This activation enhances MMP9 expression in macrophages and drives Th17 differentiation in CD4 T cells, amplifying inflammatory and tissue-remodeling processes. In vivo, fructose intake exacerbates autoimmune arthritis in SKG mice, and elevated fructose-driven glycolysis and MG-AGE accumulation are observed in monocytes from patients with rheumatoid arthritis. These results link fructose-driven carbonyl stress to macrophage effector programs and downstream T cell polarization. Collectively, these findings uncover a dual fructose metabolic program that integrates nutrient stress with persistent inflammation via the MG-AGE-RAGE axis and underscore the immunometabolic risks of excessive fructose exposure.