After a meal, fatty acids and glucose, through intestinal absorption, enter the blood. Both serve as fuels for cells
or tissues, glucose being the most important to fulfill the energy requirement
of immune cells, and lipids representing major components of cell membranes. Besides, food-derived fatty acids, as well as
intestinal bacteria-derived fatty acids could be sensed by Toll-like receptors
(TLRs) which are expressed on immune cells, adipocytes or intestinal gut,
resulting in activation of the immune system. Depending on the intensity, the
time lasting, and the control of these events, it will either favor the
development of an efficient immune defense, or lead to a drift towards
metabolic diseases such as obesity.
