The Role of the Adipokine Leptin in Immune Cell Function in Health and Disease

Leptin is a critical mediator of the immune response to changes in overall nutrition. Leptin is produced by adipocytes in proportion to adipose tissue mass and is therefore increased in obesity. Despite having a well-described role in regulating systemic metabolism and appetite, leptin displays pleiotropic actions, and it is now clear that leptin has a key role in influencing immune cell function. Indeed, many immune cells have been shown to respond to leptin directly via the leptin receptor, resulting in a largely pro-inflammatory phenotype. Understanding the role of adipose-tissue derived mediators in inflammation is critical to determining the pathophysiology of multiple obesity-associated diseases, such as type 2 diabetes, autoimmune disease, and infection. This review, therefore, focuses on the latest data regarding the role of leptin in modulating inflammation.

Automated summary

Leptin, produced by adipocytes in proportion to adipose tissue mass, plays a critical role in the immune response to changes in overall nutrition. Despite its main roles in regulating systemic metabolism and appetite, it also influences immune cell function, leading to a largely pro-inflammatory phenotype.