The metabolic hormone leptin promotes the function of T_FH cells and supports vaccine responses.

ABSTRACT: Follicular helper T (T_FH) cells control antibody responses by supporting antibody affinity maturation and memory formation. Inadequate T_FH function has been found in individuals with ineffective responses to vaccines, but the mechanism underlying T_FH regulation in vaccination is not understood. Here, we report that lower serum levels of the metabolic hormone leptin associate with reduced vaccine responses to influenza or hepatitis B virus vaccines in healthy populations. Leptin promotes mouse and human T_FH differentiation and IL-21 production via STAT3 and mTOR pathways. Leptin receptor deficiency impairs T_FH generation and antibody responses in immunisation and infection. Similarly, leptin deficiency induced by fasting reduces influen

SUBMITTER: Deng J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC8144586 | biostudies-literature | 2021 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature