SGLT2 inhibitor promotes ketogenesis to improve MASH by suppressing CD8+ T cell activation

Abstract

During the progression of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), the accumulation of auto-aggressive CD8⁺ T cells significantly contributes to liver injury and inflammation. Empagliflozin (EMPA), a highly selective inhibitor of sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2), exhibits potential therapeutic benefits for liver steatosis; however, the underlying mechanism remains incompletely elucidated. Here, we found that EMPA significantly reduced the hepatic accumulation of auto-aggressive CD8⁺ T cells and lowered granzyme B levels in mice with MASH. Mechanistically, EMPA increased β-hydroxybutyric acid by promoting the ketogenesis of CD8⁺ T cells via elevating 3-hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase 1 (Bdh1) expression. The β-hydroxybutyric acid subsequently inhibited interferon regulatory factor 4 (Irf4), which is crucial for CD8⁺ T cell activation. Furthermore, the ablation of Bdh1 in T cells aggravated the manifestation of MASH and hindered the therapeutic efficacy of EMPA. Moreover, a case-control study also showed that SGLT2 inhibitor treatment repressed CD8⁺ T cell infiltration and improved liver injury in patients with MASH. In summary, our study indicates that SGLT2 inhibitors can target CD8⁺ T cells and may be an effective strategy for treating MASH.

Keywords: BDH1; CD8(+) T cell; SGLT2 inhibitor; ketogenesis; metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis.