Adipose tissue: quartermaster to the lymph node garrisons.

Why is mammalian adipose tissue always split into a few large depots and many small ones, widely scattered around the body? Recent research suggests that fat cells (adipocytes) in the minor depots that enclose lymph nodes could be specialised to supply immune cells with the fuel and materials they need to mount a prompt, effective response to foreign invasion. Eliminating them or disrupting their relationship with immune cells may have unforeseen consequences.