Obesity, COVID-19 and innate immunometabolism

As COVID-19 continues to spread worldwide, severe disease and mortality have been observed in obese patients. We discuss how obesity and obesity-associated factors such as 'meta-flammation', dietary fat intake and paradoxical suppression of the innate immune response within the pulmonary compartment may be crucial determinants in the host response to a novel viral pathogen. Modulation of immune cell bioenergetics and metabolic potential plays a central role in the innate immune response to infection, and as we strive to combat this new global health threat, immunometabolism of the innate immune system warrants attention.

Automated summary

The article discusses the potential reasons for severe disease and mortality in obese patients during the COVID-19 pandemic, including factors such as 'meta-flammation', dietary fat intake, and suppression of the innate immune response. It emphasizes the importance of immune cell bioenergetics and metabolic potential in the innate immune response to infection in combating this new global health threat.