Adipose tissue is far from being a passive fat reservoir; it’s a dynamic metabolic and immunological environment, particularly in the context of obesity. Immune cells—macrophages, T cells, B cells—are not just bystanders within adipose tissue. They actively interact with adipocytes, influencing processes like lipid handling, insulin sensitivity, and overall energy balance.In the state of obesity, these immune cells undergo a shift, adopting pro-inflammatory metabolic profiles that fuel chronic low-grade inflammation. This inflammatory milieu is a key driver of insulin resistance, metabolic syndrome, and increased cardiovascular risk often seen in individuals with excess adiposity. Essentially, immune cell behavior in fat tissue can set off a chain reaction that disrupts systemic metabolism.Recent research into immunometabolic interactions within adipose tissue is shedding light on the fundamental mechanisms linking obesity and metabolic disease. By targeting the metabolic pathways of immune cells in adipose tissue, there is potential to mitigate inflammation, enhance metabolic function, and ultimately prevent or reduce obesity-related complications. This underscores the pivotal role of the immune system—not just in defense, but in regulating metabolic health at the tissue and whole-body level.
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