GSK3 is a metabolic checkpoint regulator in B cells

B cells predominate in a quiescent state until antigen is encountered, which results in rapid growth, proliferation and differentiation. These distinct cell states are likely accompanied by differing metabolic needs, yet little is known about the metabolic control of B cell fate. Here we show that glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK3) is a metabolic sensor that promotes the survival of naïve recirculating B cells by restricting cell mass accumulation. In antigen-driven responses, GSK3 was selectively required for CD40-mediated regulation of B cell size, mitochondria biogenesis, glycolysis and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. GSK3 was required to prevent metabolic collapse and ROS-induced apoptosis when glucose became limiting, functioning in part by repressing c-Myc-dependent growth. Importantly, we found that GSK3 was required for the generation and maintenance of germinal center B cells, which require high glycolytic activity to support growth and proliferation in a hypoxic microenvironment.