Immune system function and metabolism are profoundly intertwined on a whole-body and cellular level. This is reflected in both homeostatic processes during growth and development and in pathological states. For instance, chronic inflammation in adipose tissue is a strong predictor of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, overall increasing risk for type 2 diabetes and associated co-morbidities in obese individuals. Simultaneously, increased visceral adiposity is linked with a delayed or deficient immune response to infection. On the cellular level, immune cell phenotype is intimately connected with metabolic status. In states of high energy demand immune cells rely on glycolysis for producing ATP, while oxidative phosphorylation is the preferred energy source in resting and regulatory states.
Sex differences in immune system and metabolism have long been appreciated. Adult females typically mount stronger innate and adaptive immune responses than males, which in some cases leads to better protection against infections. Whole-body metabolism is also profoundly affected by biological sex where both females with PCOS and males expand visceral fat compartment, leading to increased risk for metabolic disorders. Conversely, premenopausal females typically expand subcutaneous fat depot that is associated with metabolically healthier phenotype. On a cellular level, sex-differences in mitochondria size, mass and activity have been implicated in sex differences in immune cell phenotype and the overall immune response. It is therefore not surprising that sex differences in immunometabolism can shape one’s response to both vaccines and therapeutic drugs. For example, several human and animal studies have indicated a differential response to monovalent and quadrivalent seasonal influenza vaccines, where both sex and BMI impact antibody responses. While the role of biological sex in shaping immunometabolism has been acknowledged, this difference is not explored to its full potential. There is an urgent need to include both sexes in biological research of any kind and doing so will be especially instrumental for the development of sex-based therapies in treating immunometabolic disorders.
In this Research Topic, we will aim to discuss aspects of sex differences in immunometabolism, prophylaxis and therapy. There is a substantial lack of knowledge in this area. Understanding how biological sex can shape immune and metabolic responses will facilitate development of novel targets in immunometabolic disorders, targeted lifestyle interventions and modulations of existing therapies.
Authors are welcome to submit original research on the following topics (but not limited to):
1. Sex-difference in immunometabolic disorders, with a focus on:
- Pro-inflammatory processes in adipose tissue, liver, and gut
- Immune alterations in obesity and its associated metabolic dysfunctions (e.g., insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia etc)
2. Sex-difference in prophylactic and therapeutic approaches in treating immunometabolic disorders, with a focus on:
- Bioactives
- Functional foods
- Dietary ingredients
Research on both whole-body and cellular level are welcome.
Immune system function and metabolism are profoundly intertwined on a whole-body and cellular level. This is reflected in both homeostatic processes during growth and development and in pathological states. For instance, chronic inflammation in adipose tissue is a strong predictor of insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome, overall increasing risk for type 2 diabetes and associated co-morbidities in obese individuals. Simultaneously, increased visceral adiposity is linked with a delayed or deficient immune response to infection. On the cellular level, immune cell phenotype is intimately connected with metabolic status. In states of high energy demand immune cells rely on glycolysis for producing ATP, while oxidative phosphorylation is the preferred energy source in resting and regulatory states.
Sex differences in immune system and metabolism have long been appreciated. Adult females typically mount stronger innate and adaptive immune responses than males, which in some cases leads to better protection against infections. Whole-body metabolism is also profoundly affected by biological sex where both females with PCOS and males expand visceral fat compartment, leading to increased risk for metabolic disorders. Conversely, premenopausal females typically expand subcutaneous fat depot that is associated with metabolically healthier phenotype. On a cellular level, sex-differences in mitochondria size, mass and activity have been implicated in sex differences in immune cell phenotype and the overall immune response. It is therefore not surprising that sex differences in immunometabolism can shape one’s response to both vaccines and therapeutic drugs. For example, several human and animal studies have indicated a differential response to monovalent and quadrivalent seasonal influenza vaccines, where both sex and BMI impact antibody responses. While the role of biological sex in shaping immunometabolism has been acknowledged, this difference is not explored to its full potential. There is an urgent need to include both sexes in biological research of any kind and doing so will be especially instrumental for the development of sex-based therapies in treating immunometabolic disorders.
In this Research Topic, we will aim to discuss aspects of sex differences in immunometabolism, prophylaxis and therapy. There is a substantial lack of knowledge in this area. Understanding how biological sex can shape immune and metabolic responses will facilitate development of novel targets in immunometabolic disorders, targeted lifestyle interventions and modulations of existing therapies.
Authors are welcome to submit original research on the following topics (but not limited to):
1. Sex-difference in immunometabolic disorders, with a focus on:
- Pro-inflammatory processes in adipose tissue, liver, and gut
- Immune alterations in obesity and its associated metabolic dysfunctions (e.g., insulin resistance, dyslipidaemia etc)
2. Sex-difference in prophylactic and therapeutic approaches in treating immunometabolic disorders, with a focus on:
- Bioactives
- Functional foods
- Dietary ingredients
Research on both whole-body and cellular level are welcome.
