Adipose tissue immunity and cancer

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Metabolic Syndrome
• Oncology

Background:

• Obesity is characterized by chronic inflammation and altered immune responses, significantly contributing to metabolic complications and cancer development.
• Adipose tissue expansion in obesity leads to increased infiltration of innate and adaptive immune cells, secreting pro-inflammatory factors that foster a tumor-promoting microenvironment.
• Dysfunctional adipose tissue in obesity involves mechanisms like fatty acid-induced inflammation, oxidative stress, ER stress, and hypoxia.

Purpose of the Study:

• To elucidate the intricate cross-talk between tumor cells, immune cells, and adipocytes in the context of obesity-related inflammation.
• To highlight the role of immune cell infiltration and phenotypic switching in adipose tissue during obesity.
• To explore potential therapeutic strategies combining anti-inflammatory approaches with anti-tumoral drugs.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature on obesity, inflammation, immune response, and cancer development.
• Analysis of the mechanisms underlying adipose tissue dysfunction in obese states.
• Investigation of the interplay between adipocytes, immune cells, and tumor cells.

Main Results:

• Obesity-associated inflammation involves B and T cell accumulation preceding macrophage infiltration, leading to chronic low-grade inflammation.
• Phenotypic switching to M1 macrophages and Th1 T cells in obese adipose tissue correlates with increased tumor growth risk.
• Adipocytes and infiltrating immune cells release pro-inflammatory adipokines and cytokines, creating a pro-tumorigenic environment.

Conclusions:

• The complex interplay between tumor cells, immune cells, and adipocytes in obesity-driven inflammation is crucial for cancer development.
• Future cancer therapies should integrate anti-inflammatory strategies targeting the tumor microenvironment with advanced anti-tumoral treatments.
• Addressing obesity-related inflammation is a key consideration for improving cancer treatment outcomes.