Leptin in autoimmune diseases

Over the last few years, a series of molecules known to play a function in metabolism have also been shown to play an important role in the regulation of the immune response. In this context, the adipocyte-derived hormone leptin has been shown to regulate the immune response both in normal as well as in pathological conditions. More specifically, it has been shown that conditions of reduced leptin production are associated with increased infection susceptibility. Conversely, immune-mediated disorders such as autoimmune diseases are associated with increased secretion of leptin and production of pro-inflammatory pathogenic cytokines. In this context, leptin could represent the “missing link” between immune response, metabolic function, and nutritional status. Strategies aimed at interfering with the leptin axis could represent innovative therapeutic tools for infections and autoimmune disorders. This chapter reviews the most recent advances in the role of leptin in autoimmune responses.