Tkt Knockdown impaired NADPH production in CD8+ T cells

Transketolase (TKT) is a key enzyme in the non-oxidative pentose phosphate pathway. However, the impact of Taldo1 disruption on CD8+ T cell differentiation and function remains undefined. Here, we found that knockdown of Taldo1 in CD8+ T cells impairs NADPH production, causes ribose-5-phosphate accumulation, elevates oxidative stress, reduces lipid synthesis, induces mitochondrial dysfunction, and compromises effector cell proliferation, cytokine production, and antitumor efficacy, whereas enhancing Taldo1 promotes memory T cell differentiation, persistence, and recall responses during immune challenges.