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How systemic metabolic alterations during acute infections impact immune cell function remains poorly understood. We found that acetate accumulates in the serum within hours of systemic bacterial infections and that these increased acetate concentrations are required for optimal memory CD8(+) T cell function in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically upon uptake by memory CD8(+) T cells stress levels of acetate expanded the cellular acetyl coenzyme A pool via ATP citrate lyase and promoted acetylation of the enzyme GAPDH. This context dependent post translational modification enhanced GAPDH activity catalyzing glycolysis and thus boosting rapid memory CD8(+) T cell responses. Accordingly in a murine Listeria monocytogenes model transfer of acetate augmented memory CD8(+) T cells exerted superior immune control compared to control cells. Our results demonstrate that increased systemic acetate concentrations are functionally integrated by CD8(+) T cells and translate into increased glycolytic and functional capacity. The immune system thus directly relates systemic metabolism with immune alertness.