Lipid metabolism and neuroinflammation: What is the link?

Lipid metabolism is central to host defense by supporting and modulating immune cell function. Immune signaling pathways control anabolic lipid processes to drive membrane synthesis and produce bioactive lipid mediators during activation. In turn, metabolic states profoundly influence immune signaling, particularly during the resolution of inflammation. Emerging evidence highlights a dynamic interplay between lipid metabolism and neuroinflammation. A striking example is the intrinsic lipoprotein system of the central nervous system, which undergoes profound changes during pathology, with lipoproteins serving not only in lipid transport but also as immune modulators and as contributors to disease tolerance. Importantly, major neurodegenerative diseases are genetically linked to disruptions in lipid metabolism. Deciphering this complex cross talk may provide opportunities for novel therapies targeting neuroinflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders.