Lipid antigens in immunity

Biol Chem. 2014 Jan;395(1):61-81. doi: 10.1515/hsz-2013-0220.

Abstract

Lipids are not only a central part of human metabolism but also play diverse and critical roles in the immune system. As such, they can act as ligands of lipid-activated nuclear receptors, control inflammatory signaling through bioactive lipids such as prostaglandins, leukotrienes, lipoxins, resolvins, and protectins, and modulate immunity as intracellular phospholipid- or sphingolipid-derived signaling mediators. In addition, lipids can serve as antigens and regulate immunity through the activation of lipid-reactive T cells, which is the topic of this review. We will provide an overview of the mechanisms of lipid antigen presentation, the biology of lipid-reactive T cells, and their contribution to immunity.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Lipids / immunology*
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Antigens
  • Lipids