LDHA is the Key Enzyme for Lactate Production

LDHA catalyzes the reversible conversion of pyruvate to lactate, a critical step in cellular metabolism. Upon immune cell activation, glycolysis is upregulated and LDHA activity increases, promoting lactate production to support the metabolic demands of inflammation.
Lactate is not merely a metabolic byproduct but also a key inflammatory signaling molecule that modulates immune cell function. Elevated lactate levels potentiate inflammatory signaling pathways and influence immune cell differentiation, contributing to the persistence of chronic inflammation.
LDHA lies at the core of the immunometabolic network, serving as a key node linking lactate metabolism and inflammatory signaling. Given lactate’s role in regulating immune responses, LDHA represents a promising target for modulating inflammatory metabolism.