Salt sensitivity includes effects on immune cell signalling and metabolism

Excess salt (sodium chloride) intake is a risk factor for hypertension and is attributed to increasing rates of morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular diseases. Salt sensitivity is classically defined as the blood pressure response to dietary salt changes. However, in addition to the pivotal role of sodium (Na + ) in regulating the osmotic composition of body fluids, we recently reported that Na + regulates the energy metabolism of immune cells. Thus, we suggest broadening the definition of salt sensitivity to include these effects on cellular immunometabolism.