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Updated: Jun 28, 2026

Experimental Approach to Examine Leptin Signaling in the Carotid Bodies and its Effects on Control of Breathing
Published on: October 25, 2019
Three questions about leptin and immunity
1Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, University of Illinois at Chicago, 1919 W Taylor Street MC517, Chicago, IL 60612, USA. giamila@uic.edu
Abstract:
Leptin is a protein produced by adipocytes (and other cell types) that acts in the brain to regulate appetite and energy expenditure according to the amount of energy stored in adipose tissue. Leptin also exerts a variety of other functions, including important roles as a regulator of immune and inflammatory reactions. The present article is not meant to be a comprehensive review on leptin and immunity, but rather highlights a few controversial issues about leptin's place in the complex network of mediators regulating immune and inflammatory responses. Three issues are discussed: (1) Where am I going, or What is the cellular target of leptin for modulation of immune responses?; (2) Where am I coming from, or Is the cellular source important in determining leptin's effects on immune responses? and (3) What am I doing, or What are leptin's effects on immune and inflammatory responses?
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