B Lymphocytes in the Adipose Tissue Microenvironment: Multifaceted Roles in Inflammation and Metabolic Dysfunction

Area of Science:

• Immunometabolism
• Adipose tissue biology
• B cell immunology

Background:

• Adipose tissue (AT) is an immunometabolic organ crucial for homeostasis.
• Immune cells within AT, especially B lymphocytes, significantly influence tissue function.
• Obesity and aging trigger immune remodeling in AT, impacting metabolic health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the development, localization, and function of AT-resident B cells.
• To examine adipocyte-B cell crosstalk mechanisms.
• To discuss the role of B cells in metabolic inflammation and potential therapeutic strategies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current knowledge on AT-resident B cells.
• Analysis of molecular mechanisms in adipocyte-B cell interactions.
• Discussion of dysregulation in metabolic disease and therapeutic targets.

Main Results:

• Distinct B cell subsets in AT have varied roles, from promoting inflammation (B-2, age-associated B cells) to exerting protective effects (regulatory B cells, B-1 cells).
• Adipocyte-B cell crosstalk involves adipokines, chemokines, antigen presentation, and inflammasomes.
• Dysregulated crosstalk contributes to metabolic inflammation, autoimmunity, and AT remodeling.

Conclusions:

• B cells are key players in AT immunometabolism, with specific subsets driving or mitigating inflammation.
• Understanding adipocyte-B cell interactions is vital for addressing obesity-associated metabolic diseases.
• Targeting B cell pathways offers promising therapeutic avenues for metabolic disorders.