Immunological functions of the omentum

S Meza-Perez, TD Randall - Trends in immunology, 2017 - cell.com
S Meza-Perez, TD Randall
Trends in immunology, 2017cell.com
The omentum is a visceral adipose tissue with unique immune functions. Although it is
primarily an adipose tissue, the omentum also contains lymphoid aggregates, called milky
spots (MSs), that contribute to peritoneal immunity by collecting antigens, particulates, and
pathogens from the peritoneal cavity and, depending on the stimuli, promoting a variety of
immune responses, including inflammation, tolerance, or even fibrosis. Reciprocal
interactions between cells in the MS and adipocytes regulate their immune and metabolic …
The omentum is a visceral adipose tissue with unique immune functions. Although it is primarily an adipose tissue, the omentum also contains lymphoid aggregates, called milky spots (MSs), that contribute to peritoneal immunity by collecting antigens, particulates, and pathogens from the peritoneal cavity and, depending on the stimuli, promoting a variety of immune responses, including inflammation, tolerance, or even fibrosis. Reciprocal interactions between cells in the MS and adipocytes regulate their immune and metabolic functions. Importantly, the omentum collects metastasizing tumor cells and supports tumor growth by immunological and metabolic mechanisms. Here we summarize our current knowledge about the development, organization, and function of the omentum in peritoneal immunity.
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