Unique adipose tissue invariant natural killer T cell subpopulations control adipocyte turnover in mice.

ABSTRACT: Adipose tissue invariant natural killer T (iNKT) cells are a crucial cell type for adipose tissue homeostasis in obese animals. However, heterogeneity of adipose iNKT cells and their function in adipocyte turnover are not thoroughly understood. Here, we investigate transcriptional heterogeneity in adipose iNKT cells and their hierarchy using single-cell RNA sequencing in lean and obese mice. We report that distinct subpopulations of adipose iNKT cells modulate adipose tissue homeostasis through adipocyte death and birth. We identify KLRG1⁺ iNKT cells as a unique iNKT cell subpopulation in adipose tissue. Adoptive transfer experiments showed that KLRG1⁺ iNKT cells are selectively generated within adipose tissue microenvironment and differentiate into a CX3CR1⁺

SUBMITTER: Han SM 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10739728 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature