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Immunological Functions of the Omentum
Selene Meza-Perez1, Troy D Randall1
1Department of Medicine, Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA.
Trends in Immunology
|June 6, 2017
Summary
The omentum, a visceral fat tissue, contains milky spots (MSs) crucial for peritoneal immunity. These structures collect antigens and pathogens, influencing immune responses and potentially supporting tumor growth.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Adipose tissue biology
- Peritoneal immunity
Background:
- The omentum is a unique visceral adipose tissue.
- It contains specialized lymphoid aggregates known as milky spots (MSs).
- MSs play a critical role in maintaining peritoneal immune homeostasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize current knowledge on the omentum's development, organization, and function.
- To highlight the role of milky spots in peritoneal immunity.
- To discuss the omentum's involvement in immune and metabolic regulation and tumor metastasis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on omental immunology.
- Analysis of the cellular composition and functional properties of milky spots.
- Investigation of the interactions between MS cells and adipocytes.
Main Results:
- Milky spots (MSs) are key components of the omentum, involved in antigen surveillance.
- MSs modulate immune responses, including inflammation, tolerance, and fibrosis.
- The omentum interacts with metastasizing tumor cells, influencing tumor growth via immunological and metabolic pathways.
Conclusions:
- The omentum is a vital immune organ within the peritoneal cavity.
- Milky spots are essential for initiating and regulating peritoneal immune responses.
- Understanding omental function is crucial for addressing peritoneal immunity and cancer metastasis.
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