Skin gamma delta T cells in Obesity

Epithelial cells provide an initial line of defense against damage and pathogens in barrier tissues such as the skin; however this balance is disrupted in obesity and metabolic disease. Skin gamma delta T cells recognize epithelial damage and release cytokines and growth factors that facilitate wound repair. To determine the impact of obesity and metabolic disease on skin gamma delta T cells, we isolated skin gamma delta T cells from 10-week old C57BLKS/J lean db/+ and obese db/db animals for further study. Due to a deficiency in the leptin receptor (db), homozygous db/db animals do not process satiety signals, continually eat and develop severe obesity and metabolic disease. Skin gamma delta T cells isolated from these animals were compared for changes in mRNA expression using microarray. We have determined that obesity and metabolic disease negatively impacts homeostasis and functionality of skin gamma delta T cells, rendering host defense mechanisms vulnerable to injury and infection.

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Taylor KR, Mills RE, Costanzo AE, Jameson JM