Fig. 7: Reversed upper glycolysis and rapid activation of oxidative PPP supports oxidative burst in neutrophils.

The model presents three different metabolic modes—glycolysis, full non-cyclic oxidative PPP and full pentose cycle—on a spectrum of NADPH yield. Quantitatively coupled to the activation of oxidative burst, neutrophils shift from a glycolysis-dominant metabolic mode with minor oxPPP to near-complete pentose cycle, to support NADPH demand and downstream function including pathogen clearance.