Cookies on this website

We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you click 'Accept all cookies' we'll assume that you are happy to receive all cookies and you won't see this message again. If you click 'Reject all non-essential cookies' only necessary cookies providing core functionality such as security, network management, and accessibility will be enabled. Click 'Find out more' for information on how to change your cookie settings.

Adipose tissue (AT) plays a pivotal role in whole-body lipid and glucose homeostasis. AT exerts metabolic control through various immunological mechanisms that instigated a new research field termed immunometabolism. Here, we review AT-resident immune cells and their role as key players in immunometabolism. In lean subjects, AT-resident immune cells have housekeeping functions ranging from apoptotic cell clearance to extracellular matrix remodeling and angiogenesis. However, obesity provides bacterial and metabolic danger signals that mimic bacterial infection, and drives a shift in immune-cell phenotypes and numbers, classified as a prototypic T helper 1 (Th1) inflammatory response. The resulting AT inflammation and insulin resistance link obesity to its metabolic sequel, and suggests that targeted immunomodulatory interventions may be beneficial for obese patients.

Original publication

DOI

10.1016/j.tem.2012.05.011

Type

Journal article

Journal

Trends Endocrinol Metab

Publication Date

08/2012

Volume

23

Pages

407 - 415

Keywords

Apoptosis, Bacterial Infections, Extracellular Matrix, Humans, Immune System, Immunity, Inflammation, Insulin Resistance, Intra-Abdominal Fat, Metabolism, Neovascularization, Physiologic, Obesity, Th1 Cells