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Adipokines, immunity, and infection.
Shashvat Joshi1,2, Aryan Patel1, Rayhan Raja1
1Department of Internal Medicine, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
Endocrinology
|February 3, 2026
Summary
Adipose tissue releases adipokines that impact immunity. This review explores how leptin, adiponectin, and resistin affect immune responses to infection, suggesting potential therapeutic and biomarker uses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Endocrinology
- Metabolism
Background:
- Adipose tissue is an endocrine organ influencing immune function.
- Rising global obesity rates necessitate understanding adipokine-immune interactions.
- Adipokines play critical roles in modulating immune responses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the immunomodulatory functions of three key adipokines: leptin, adiponectin, and resistin.
- To examine the role of these adipokines in host response to infection.
- To explore potential clinical applications of adipokines as biomarkers or therapeutics for infections.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on basic adipokine biology.
- Analysis of mouse and human studies on adipokine function in infection.
- Synthesis of current knowledge on adipokine-mediated immune modulation.
Main Results:
- Leptin, adiponectin, and resistin exhibit diverse effects on immune cells and pathways.
- These adipokines significantly influence the host's response to various infections.
- Evidence suggests differential roles for each adipokine in infection outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Adipokines are crucial regulators of the immune system, particularly during infection.
- Leptin, adiponectin, and resistin represent potential targets for novel infection therapies.
- Further research is warranted to fully elucidate adipokine roles and therapeutic potential in infectious diseases.
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