Cell-cell crosstalk between fat cells and immune cells

Area of Science:

• Immunometabolism
• Adipose tissue biology
• Energy homeostasis

Background:

• Obesity is a global metabolic disorder with limited pharmaceutical options.
• Thermogenic adipose tissues (brown and beige) are key targets for obesity treatment.
• Immune cell regulation of adipocyte function, particularly thermogenesis, is not fully understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the interaction between thermogenic adipocytes and immune cells.
• To elucidate the cellular and molecular mechanisms of immunometabolism in adipose tissue.
• To highlight potential therapeutic targets for obesity.

Main Methods:

• Literature review focusing on immune cell-adipocyte interactions.
• Analysis of cytokine signaling, neuroimmune regulation, and mitochondrial transfer.
• Synthesis of current knowledge on adipose tissue immunometabolism.

Main Results:

• Immune cells significantly influence thermogenic adipocyte development and function.
• Cytokines, particularly interleukins, play a critical role in regulating thermogenesis.
• Neuroimmune pathways and mitochondrial transfer represent novel mechanisms in heat production.

Conclusions:

• Crosstalk between immune cells and adipocytes is vital for adipose tissue homeostasis and systemic energy balance.
• Targeting the immune microenvironment of adipose tissue can enhance thermogenic efficiency.
• Understanding immunometabolism provides a basis for novel obesity interventions.