The Role of NK Cells in Ketogenesis: Immune Regulation of Metabolic Processes

Project code: uniri-iz-25-160
Funding: European Union – NextGenerationEU
Funding acknowledgement: Funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU – NK-keto-uniri-iz-25-160

Can immune cells help regulate ketone production during fasting?

During fasting, fatty acids released from stored fat are transported to the liver, where they can be converted into ketone bodies. These molecules provide an alternative energy source for organs such as the brain when glucose availability is limited.

This project investigates whether natural killer (NK) cells contribute to the regulation of ketogenesis—the production of ketone bodies—during prolonged fasting. Although NK cells are best known for their role in defence against infections and tumours, they may also help coordinate metabolic responses within tissues.

We will examine how fasting affects NK cells in the liver and whether their communication with hepatocytes (liver cells) influences ketone production.

Research objectives

• Characterize how liver NK cells respond to fasting.

• Determine whether NK cells influence ketone production.

• Identify the signals exchanged between NK cells and hepatocytes.

Why it matters

The mechanisms that coordinate ketone production during fasting are not fully understood. Exploring the role of NK cells may reveal new connections between immunity and liver metabolism, providing a foundation for future research into conditions involving altered ketone metabolism.

Figure caption: Proposed immune regulation of ketogenesis during fasting. Fatty acids released from adipose tissue support ketone production in the liver. The project investigates whether NK cells help regulate this process.

EU funding disclaimer

Funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Commission. Neither the European Union nor the European Commission can be held responsible for them.