Insulin as an immunomodulatory hormone

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Endocrinology
• Metabolism

Background:

• Insulin is crucial for managing hyperglycemia in diabetes and inflammatory conditions.
• Insulin receptors are present on immune cells, where insulin exhibits anti-inflammatory effects.
• Emerging evidence suggests insulin has a more significant role in modulating immune responses during infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the broader immunological functions of insulin beyond glucose homeostasis.
• To investigate insulin's role in shaping immune cell differentiation, polarization, and effector functions during infection.
• To understand the bidirectional relationship between inflammatory mediators and insulin levels.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on insulin's effects on immune cells.
• Analysis of studies investigating insulin's impact on immune cell differentiation and function.
• Examination of mechanisms by which inflammation affects insulin levels.

Main Results:

• Insulin modulates immune cell differentiation and polarization.
• Insulin influences effector functions, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) production.
• Inflammatory mediators can regulate serum insulin levels, indicating potential immune system co-option.

Conclusions:

• Insulin functions as a bona fide immune-modulating hormone.
• Understanding insulin's immunological roles can optimize insulin therapy in various clinical contexts, including infections.
• Insulin's involvement in immune responses highlights its multifaceted physiological importance.