Leptin as immune mediator: Interaction between neuroendocrine and immune system
Claudio Procaccini ; Claudia La Rocca ; Fortunata Carbone ; et al. ; - ASI Sponsor
Jan - 2017
DOI: 10.1016/j.dci.2016.06.006

journal : Developmental & Comparative Immunology

Volume : 66 ; Issue : January 2017
type: Article Journal

Abstract
Leptin is an adipocyte-derived hormone/cytokine that links nutritional status with neuroendocrine and immune functions. Initially described as an anti-obesity hormone, leptin has subsequently been shown to exert pleiotropic effects, being also able to influence haematopoiesis, thermogenesis, reproduction, angiogenesis, and more importantly immune homeostasis. As a cytokine, leptin can affect both innate and adaptive immunity, by inducing a pro-inflammatory response and thus playing a key role in the regulation of the pathogenesis of several autoimmune/inflammatory diseases. In this review, we discuss the most recent advances on the role of leptin as immune-modulator in mammals and we also provide an overview on its main functions in non-mammalian vertebrates.

keywords : Acknowledgements G.M. is [...] Italian Space Agency (ASI) n. 2014-033-R.O. [...]