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Isolation of Adipose Tissue Immune Cells
Published on: May 22, 2013
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T Cells in Adipose Tissue in Aging
Antu Kalathookunnel Antony1, Zeqin Lian1, Huaizhu Wu1,2
1Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.
Frontiers in Immunology
|January 9, 2019
Summary
Aging and obesity both increase visceral fat and insulin resistance due to adipose tissue inflammation. Immune cell changes in aging adipose tissue offer potential therapeutic targets for metabolic diseases.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Metabolic Science
- Gerontology
Background:
- Aging and obesity share links to visceral adiposity and insulin resistance.
- Adipose tissue inflammation, involving T cells and macrophages, is implicated in obesity-related metabolic dysfunction.
- Aging is characterized by "inflamm-aging," a chronic, low-grade inflammation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent research on immune cell alterations in adipose tissue during aging and obesity.
- To discuss the role of these immune cells in metabolic health and disease.
- To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting adipose tissue immune cells for metabolic disorders.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on adipose tissue immunology in aging and obesity.
- Comparative analysis of immune cell populations (T cells, Tregs, macrophages) in adipose tissue.
- Discussion of the functional implications of these immune changes on metabolism.
Main Results:
- Both aging and obesity increase conventional T cells in adipose tissue.
- Regulatory T cell (Treg) dynamics in adipose tissue differ between aging and obesity.
- Aging-associated adipose tissue inflammation shares similarities and differences with obesity-related inflammation.
Conclusions:
- Immune cell profiles in adipose tissue are altered by both aging and obesity, impacting metabolism.
- Distinct changes in T cells and Tregs during aging suggest specific roles in metabolic dysfunction.
- Targeting adipose tissue immune cells presents a promising therapeutic strategy for age- and obesity-related metabolic diseases.
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