1,721,051 research outputs found
Where Mitochondria Meet Autoimmunity: The Treg Cell Link
Although a crucial role for mitochondrial metabolism in controlling T regulatory (Treg) cell function has been recognized, its contribution during autoimmunity has not yet been fully elucidated. In this issue of Cell Metabolism, Alissafi and colleagues demonstrate that during autoimmunity, Treg cell functional alterations associate with mitochondrial oxidative stress, dysfunctional mitophagy, and enhanced DNA damage response, culminating with their cell death
The intricate interface between immune and metabolic regulation: a role for leptin in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis?
Leptin as an immunomodulator
Leptin is an adipocyte-derived hormone/cytokine that links nutritional status with neuroendocrine and immune functions. In humans, leptin influences energy homeostasis and regulates neuroendocrine function primarily in states of energy deficiency. Initially described as an antiobesity hormone, leptin has subsequently been shown also to influence basal metabolism, hematopoiesis, thermogenesis, reproduction, and angiogenesis. As a cytokine, leptin can affect thymic homeostasis and the secretion of acute-phase reactants such as interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor-necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Leptin links nutritional status and proinflammatory T helper 1 (Th1) immune responses and the decrease in leptin plasma concentration during food deprivation leads to impaired immune function. Similar to other pro-inflammatory cytokines, leptin promotes Th1-cell differentiation and can modulate the onset and progression of autoimmune responses in several animal models of disease. Here, we review the advances and controversy for a role of leptin in the pathophysiology of immune responses and discuss novel possible therapeutic implications for leptin modulators
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