Interactions between adipose tissue and the immune system in health and malnutrition

Highlights • Adipose tissue is the primary sensor of nutrient availability in the milieu of an organism. • Adipose tissue communicates the metabolic state of the body to the immune system via hormones called adipokines, which control immune cell activity. • Under lean conditions, a proper balance between adipokines ensures sufficient immune cell responsiveness, while preventing hyper-activation. • During starvation, adipokines limit immune cell activation to reduce nutrient consumption by the immune system, which makes the body sensitive to infection. • In obesity, shifts in the adipokine balance result in a hyperactive immune system, which is associated with metabolic disorders.