Transglutaminase 2 (TG2) is a ubiquitous enzyme with transamidating activity. We report here that the expression and activity of TG2 are enhanced in cells infected with the obligate intracellular bacteriaChlamydia trachomatis. Genetic or pharmacological inhibition of TG2 activity impair bacterial development. We show that TG2 increases glucose import by up-regulating the transcription of the glucose transporter genesGLUT-1andGLUT-3. Furthermore, TG2 activation drives one specific glucose-dependent pathway in the host, i.e. hexosamine biosynthesis. Mechanistically, we identify the glucosamine:fructose-6-phosphate amidotransferase (GFPT) among the substrates of TG2. GFPT modification by TG2 increases its enzymatic activity, resulting in higher levels of UDP-N-acetylglucosamine biosynthesis. As a consequence, TG2 activation results in increased proteinO-GlcNAcylation. The correlation between TG2 transamidating activity andO-GlcNAcylation is disrupted in infected cells because host hexosamine biosynthesis is being exploited by the bacteria, in particular to assist their division. In conclusion, our work establishes TG2 as a key player in controlling glucose-derived metabolic pathways in mammalian cells, themselves hijacked byC. trachomatisto sustain their own metabolic needs.