Macrophages treated with 2-deoxy-D-glucose

Macrophages are effector cells of innate immunity and combat invaders by restricting nutrients including metals. The intracellular pathogen Histoplasma capsulatum has adapted to live in this hostile environment. The fungus hijacks carbon sources for its own benefit, and compounds that reduce carbon availability are a potential strategy to control intracellular replication. Treatment of macrophages with 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG), a glucose analog, paradoxically armed these phagocytes to eliminate H. capsulatum in vitro and in vivo. This activity was independent of ATP depletion or autophagy.