News and Analysis

Using single-cell analysis and spatial transcriptomics, a new study by the University of Michigan has identified previously unrecognized immune cell types in adipose (fat) tissue. The cells were labelled Mac1 to Mac5 and revealed a shift from pro-inflammatory cells dominating at eight weeks on a high-fat diet, to anti-inflammatory cells being the majority at 14 weeks. The research could shed new light on the connection between fat accumulation and poor health outcomes.