Creatine uptake in dendritic cells preserves intracellular ATP levels and enhances Toll-like receptor signaling, particularly through the NF-κB p65 pathway, which is essential for their activation and cytokine production in response to inflammatory stimuli.

Dendritic cells take in creatine from their surroundings and convert it into a storage form that keeps ATP levels high. This steady supply of energy allows key signaling molecules to activate fully, especially a protein called NF-κB p65, which moves into the cell's nucleus and turns on genes that make the cell release inflammatory signals. These signals activate other immune cells to respond to threats like infections or tumors.