Adipokines, immunity, and infection
Abstract
Adipose tissue, long regarded as exclusively an energy reservoir, is now recognized as an active endocrine organ with significant immunomodulatory functions. As global obesity rates rise, understanding how adipokines influence the immune response is increasingly critical. In this review we focus on three key adipokines-leptin, adiponectin, and resistin-and how they modulate immune function. With each adipokine, we begin by exploring its basic biology in the context of immune function. We then discuss mouse and human studies that explore each adipokine's role in the response to infection. We close by suggesting potential uses of each adipokine as a biomarker and/or therapy in infection.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Adipokines
Inflammation
and Metabolic Diseases
Regulation of Appetite and Obesity
IL-33
ST2
and ILC Pathways
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Endocrinology
- Publisher
- The Endocrine Society
- Volume
- 167
- Issue
- 7
- Publication date
- 30 January 2026
- Language
- EN