Attenuated adipose tissue and skeletal muscle inflammation in obese mice with combined CD4+ and CD8+ T cell deficiency

- Skeletal muscle of obese mice had higher αβ T cells, including TH1 cells.
- Obese αβ T cell deficient mice had reduced skeletal muscle inflammation.
- TH1 cell adoptive transfer impaired insulin tolerance in αβ T cell deficient mice.
- TH1 cells induced inflammation in skeletal muscle.

ObjectivesHigh-fat diet (HFD) feeding in mice is characterized by accumulation of αβ T cells in adipose tissue. However, the contribution of αβ T cells to obesity-induced inflammation of skeletal muscle, a major organ of glucose uptake, is unknown. This study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of αβ T cells on insulin sensitivity and inflammatory state of skeletal muscle and adipose tissue in obesity. Furthermore, we investigated whether CD4+IFNγ+ (TH1) cells are involved in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue metabolic dysfunction that accompanies obesity.MethodsMice lacking αβ T cells (T cell receptor beta chain-deficient [TCRb−/−] mice) were fed HFD for 12 weeks. Obesity-induced skeletal muscle and adipose tissue inflammation was assessed by flow cytometry and quantitative RT-PCR. To investigate the effect of TH1 cells on skeletal muscle and adipose tissue inflammation and metabolic functions, we injected 5 × 105 TH1 cells or PBS weekly over 12 weeks into HFD-fed TCRb−/− mice. We also cultured C2C12 myofibers and 3T3-L1 adipocytes with TH1-conditioned medium.ResultsWe showed that similar to adipose tissue, skeletal muscle of obese mice have higher αβ T cell content, including TH1 cells. TCRb−/− mice were protected against obesity-induced hyperglycemia and insulin resistance. We also demonstrated suppressed macrophage infiltration and reduced inflammatory cytokine expression in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue of TCRb−/− mice on HFD compared to wild-type obese controls. Adoptive transfer of TH1 cells into HFD-fed TCRb−/− mice resulted in increased skeletal muscle and adipose tissue inflammation and impaired glucose metabolism. TH1 cells directly impaired functions of C2C12 myotubes and 3T3-L1 adipocytes in vitro.ConclusionsWe conclude that reduced adipose tissue and skeletal muscle inflammation in obese TCRb−/− mice is partially attributable to the absence of TH1 cells. Our results suggest an important role of TH1 cells in regulating inflammation and insulin resistance in obesity.