The role of adipose tissue immune cells in immune responses

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McIntosh, Alistair James (2018). The role of adipose tissue immune cells in immune responses. University of Birmingham. Ph.D.

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Abstract

Recent evidence indicates that immune cells within adipose tissues can drive the formation of ectopic lymphoid structures, known as Fat Associated Lymphoid Clusters (FALC). FALC support B-cell antibody production in response to infection and inflammation. This investigation explores the immune cell composition and role of different adipose tissues both in steady state and during immune responses in mice.

Firstly, a detailed analysis of the immune cell composition of peritoneal adipose tissues was performed. To investigate the function and migratory properties of these tissue-resident cells, cytokine and chemokine receptor expression was then assessed. How immune cells in adipose tissues responded to infection was examined using an intestinal helminth infection with the parasite Heligmosomoides polygyrus.

Adipose tissues predominantly contained regulatory T cells, invariant natural killer T cells and group 2 Innate Lymphoid Cells (ILC2s). Significant differences were observed in composition, cell surface markers and cytokine production of ILC2s between adipose depots and secondary lymphoid tissues, indicating that tissue specific signals can direct ILC2 responses. Finally, increases were observed in ILC2 and FALC numbers in the mesenteries of WT mice following parasite infection. These data indicate that immune cells within adipose tissues respond to infection and may contribute to immune responses.

Type of Work:

Thesis (Doctorates > Ph.D.)

Award Type:

Doctorates > Ph.D.

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