Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 21, 2026

Isolation of Adipose Tissue Immune Cells
Published on: May 22, 2013
Innate Immune Control of Adipose Tissue Homeostasis
1Trinity Biomedical Science Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
Abstract:
Adipose tissue is a critical regulator of systemic metabolism and normal bodily homeostasis. Recently, the immune system has been implicated in the regulation of adipose tissue homeostasis and function. Here, we highlight new insights into the distinct phenotypes and functions of adipose resident leukocytes, including a growing body of work on their role in adipose tissue remodeling and thermogenesis. We discuss how the protective capacity of the adipose immune system can be diminished during obesity, where immune cells promote sterile inflammation leading to insulin resistance. Understanding the role of adipose immune cells across different physiological states and processes is important in understanding the full breadth of adipose immunity and the possibilities to harness immune cells in fat tissue for the treatment of chronic metabolic conditions, including obesity.
Related Concept Videos
Introduction to Innate and Adaptive Immunity
Innate immunity is the body's natural, nonspecific defense system that acts quickly to protect against pathogens. It incorporates physical barriers like skin and mucous membranes and cellular elements such as phagocytes and natural killer cells. This part of our immune system provides an immediate,...
Cells of the Innate Immune Response
Phagocytes
Phagocytes police the peripheral tissues by removing cellular debris and responding to the invasion of foreign substances or pathogens. Many phagocytes attack and remove microorganisms even before lymphocytes detect them. The human body has two general...
What is the Immune System?
What is Homeostasis?
pH Homeostasis
Respiratory...
Skeleton and Calcium Homeostasis

