Adipokines and the control of mast cell functions: from obesity to inflammation?

Adipokines are peptide mediators produced by fat cells in adipose tissue that exert a powerful influence on many body systems, including the immune system. Leptin and adiponectin are among the best known of these molecules and have been shown to affect the functions of, for instance, dendritic cells, neutrophils, and innate lymphoid cells. Here we present the results of a new study that describes the effects of leptin and adiponectin on mast cells, a cell type which plays an important role in controlling inflammatory responses. This provides an improved understanding of how obesity may contribute to chronic inflammation, and lead to a wide range of inflammatory pathologies.