LAUSR

Description Overnutrition could lead to loss of self-tolerance by impinging on immune regulation Compelling epidemiological evidence reveals a strong association between being overweight or obese and the risk of developing autoimmune diseases (1). From an immunological standpoint, the cellular and molecular mechanisms linked to this association include the overstimulation of T lymphocytes by nutrient- and energy-sensing pathways. The immunometabolic state of an individual is central to the modulation of immunological self-tolerance that suppresses self-reactivity to avoid autoimmunity. Adipose tissue is an immunologically active organ that influences systemic immune responses through the production of adipocytokines, and, in turn, immune cells affect adipocyte homeostasis and metabolism through the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (2). This implies that metabolic overload from obesity can affect immunometabolism, which can alter susceptibility to autoimmune diseases.