Peripheral blood iNKT cells display an activated profile with both increased apoptosis and dysfunction in obesity.

ABSTRACT: Obesity is characterized by a chronic low-grade inflammation and, paradoxically, is also associated with immune cells dysfunction. In this study, we analyzed peripheral blood Invariant Natural killer T cells (iNKT) in individuals with or without obesity. These unconventional T cells recognize lipid antigens presented by the monomorphic CD1d MHC I-like protein. We demonstrated an activation of iNKT cells in individuals with obesity associated with both increased apoptosis and dysfunction as assessed by the lack of responsiveness to PMA/Ionomycin stimulation. This disruption mainly affects the CD4^- subset, more dedicated to pro-inflammatory cytokines release and cytotoxicity. Such impact could therefore be involved in the loss of immunosurveillance observed in obesity. Interesting

SUBMITTER: Wilkin C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12457317 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature