Macrophage-derived chemokine CCL22 establishes local LN-mediated adaptive thermogenesis and energy expenditure

Sci Adv. 2024 Jun 28;10(26):eadn5229. doi: 10.1126/sciadv.adn5229. Epub 2024 Jun 26.

Abstract

There is a regional preference around lymph nodes (LNs) for adipose beiging. Here, we show that local LN removal within inguinal white adipose tissue (iWAT) greatly impairs cold-induced beiging, and this impairment can be restored by injecting M2 macrophages or macrophage-derived C-C motif chemokine (CCL22) into iWAT. CCL22 injection into iWAT effectively promotes iWAT beiging, while blocking CCL22 with antibodies can prevent it. Mechanistically, the CCL22 receptor, C-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CCR4), within eosinophils and its downstream focal adhesion kinase/p65/interleukin-4 signaling are essential for CCL22-mediated beige adipocyte formation. Moreover, CCL22 levels are inversely correlated with body weight and fat mass in mice and humans. Acute elevation of CCL22 levels effectively prevents diet-induced body weight and fat gain by enhancing adipose beiging. Together, our data identify the CCL22-CCR4 axis as an essential mediator for LN-controlled adaptive thermogenesis and highlight its potential to combat obesity and its associated complications.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Adipocytes, Beige / metabolism
  • Adipose Tissue, White* / metabolism
  • Animals
  • Chemokine CCL22* / metabolism
  • Energy Metabolism*
  • Eosinophils / metabolism
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Lymph Nodes* / metabolism
  • Macrophages* / metabolism
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Obesity / metabolism
  • Receptors, CCR4 / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction
  • Thermogenesis*

Substances

  • Ccl22 protein, mouse
  • Ccr4 protein, mouse
  • Chemokine CCL22
  • Receptors, CCR4
  • CCL22 protein, human