Lipids at the interface between metabolic and infectious diseases

Immunometabolism is a burgeoning field of investigation at the interface between immunology and metabolism. Primed by the obesity epidemic, it became apparent that obesity affects the immune system, even the adipocyte which was once thought as a fat storage cell, is recognized for its functions in inflammation and immunity. This further extends to other metabolic diseases including diabetes. Indeed, the association between metabolic diseases and infectious diseases has raised global health alarm, particularly the co-morbidity of diabetes and tuberculosis, and other infections.

Our group is interested to dissect the roles of lipids at the interface of metabolic and infectious diseases. It is evident that pathogens are fat-loving and exposure to distinct metabolic environment influences their growth and survival. Using systems-based approaches, we will determine the impact of metabolism on clinical manifestations of infectious diseases and find novel metabolic-based therapeutic interventions.