Leptin-based immune intervention: current status and future directions
La Cava, A.; Matarese, G.; Ebling, F.M.; Hahn, B.H.
Current Opinion in Investigational Drugs 4(11): 1327-1332
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 1472-4472 PMID: 14758772 Document Number: 563161
Current understanding of the role of leptin has expanded from its narrow association with obesity to a variety of effects on different biological processes including immune function. More specifically, leptin links nutritional status and energy balance to regulation of pro-inflammatory T-helper 1 immune responses. This has prompted several studies of targeted intervention with leptin antagonists in rodents to suppress onset and/or progression of chronic inflammation and autoimmunity. This review presents current preclinical evidence and potential applications for leptin-based immune approaches aimed at improving therapy for chronic and autoimmune conditions.