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    Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 therapy in people with obesity restores natural killer cell metabolism and effector function


    De Barra, Conor, Khalil, Mohammed, Mat, Arimin, O'Donnell, Cliona, Shaamile, Ferrah, Brennan, Kiva, O'Shea, Donal and Hogan, Andrew E. (2023) Glucagon‐like peptide‐1 therapy in people with obesity restores natural killer cell metabolism and effector function. Obesity, 31 (7). pp. 1787-1797. ISSN 1930-7381

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    Abstract

    People with obesity (PWO) have functionally defective natural killer (NK) cells, with a decreased capacity to produce cytokines and kill target cells, underpinned by defective cellular metabolism. It is plausible that the changes in peripheral NK cell activity are contributing to the multimorbidity in PWO, which includes an increased risk of cancer. This study investigated whether therapy with long‐acting glucagon‐like peptide‐1 (GLP‐1) analogues, which are an effective treatment for obesity, could restore NK cell functionality in PWO. Methods In a cohort of 20 PWO, this study investigated whether 6 months of once weekly GLP‐1 therapy (semaglutide) could restore human NK cell function and metabolism using multicolor flow cytometry, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays, and cytotoxicity assays. Results These data demonstrate that PWO who received GLP‐1 therapy have improved NK cell function, as measured by cytotoxicity and interferon‐γ/granzyme B production. In addition, the study demonstrates increases in a CD98‐mTOR‐glycolysis metabolic axis, which is critical for NK cell cytokine production. Finally, it shows that the reported improvements in NK cell function appear to be independent of weight loss. Conclusions The restoration, by GLP‐1 therapy, of NK cell functionality in PWO may be contributing to the overall benefits being seen with this class of medication.
    Item Type: Article
    Keywords: Glucagon-like peptide-1 therapy; people with obesity; natural killer cell metabolism; effector function;
    Academic Unit: Faculty of Science and Engineering > Biology
    Item ID: 19689
    Identification Number: 10.1002/oby.23772
    Depositing User: Andrew Hogan
    Date Deposited: 14 Apr 2025 13:19
    Journal or Publication Title: Obesity
    Publisher: Wiley
    Refereed: Yes
    Related URLs:
    URI: https://mural.maynoothuniversity.ie/id/eprint/19689
    Use Licence: This item is available under a Creative Commons Attribution Non Commercial Share Alike Licence (CC BY-NC-SA). Details of this licence are available here

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