Autoimmune diseases and metabolic disorders: Molecular connections and potential therapeutic targets

Autoimmunity is a phenomenon in which the body’s immune system fights off its own tissues and causes harmful complications for the body. Abnormalities in T-cell activities and expression of autoantibodies are the main causes of this phenomenon. Besides, metabolic disorders are also a matter of concern. In particular, in this chapter, the relationship between autoimmune diseases and metabolic disorders is elucidated. Many of the typical metabolic disorders (obesity, type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance) are associated with autoimmune diseases through a number of common mechanisms. Immune cells, especially macrophages and T and B cells, are key factors in the common mechanism of many autoimmune diseases and metabolic disorders. Different inhibitory and stimulatory functions of macrophages, secretion of inflammatory cytokines by immune cells, and vitamin D levels may be associated with obesity and many immune disorders. The activity of immune cells also induces inflammation and promotes insulin resistance, or type 2 diabetes, which is associated with many other autoimmune diseases and metabolic disorders. The typical general manifestation of metabolic disorders and autoimmune diseases is the appearance of inflammation caused by immune cells. Based on this, a variety of methods have been developed to treat both diseases by manipulating immune cells by acting directly on cytokines and adipokines.