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1Institute for Immunology and Department of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, Tsinghua University, and Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Beijing 100084, China; Beijing Key Laboratory for Immunological Research on Chronic Diseases, Beijing 100084, China.
Immunity
|October 13, 2021
Summary
Researchers discovered a brain-to-fat pathway involving the sympathetic nervous system, mesenchymal cells, and group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s). This neuro-immune circuit regulates obesity and glucose metabolism, offering new insights into metabolic health.
Area of Science:
- Neuroendocrinology
- Immunometabolism
- Adipose tissue biology
Background:
- The interplay between the immune system and neuronal activity significantly influences adipose tissue metabolism.
- Understanding the precise mechanisms governing this neuro-immune interaction in metabolic health is crucial but remains largely undefined.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the neuro-immune circuits connecting the brain to adipose tissue.
- To investigate the role of specific neural and immune components in regulating obesity and glucose homeostasis.
Main Methods:
- Investigated a sympathetic neuro-mesenchymal-ILC2s circuit.
- Utilized models to track brain-to-fat signaling pathways.
- Assessed the impact on obesity and glucose metabolism.
Main Results:
- Identified a novel sympathetic neuro-mesenchymal-ILC2s circuit.
- Demonstrated the circuit's function in controlling fat mass and glucose regulation.
- Established a direct link between brain activity and adipose tissue immune cells.
Conclusions:
- The sympathetic nervous system, mesenchymal cells, and ILC2s form a critical circuit for metabolic control.
- This neuro-immune axis represents a potential therapeutic target for obesity and metabolic dysfunction.
