The adipocyte secretome inhibits T-cell activation by dampening T-cell receptor mechanotransduction

Obesity is a significant risk factor for developing solid and hematological malignancies. Specifically, there is evidence that the chronic inflammation associated with obesity contributes to immune system dysfunction, promoting tumorigenesis. For example, mice with diet-induced obesity have more aggressive tumors than lean mice, as well as evidence of T-cell dysfunction. Previously, we have shown that proper T-cell function depends on 10-20 piconewton (pN) forces transmitted from the T-cell receptor (TCR) to the peptide major histocompatibility complex (pMHC) during antigen recognition.