Bio

Immune Regulation of Obesity-Associated Metabolic Disease

The Kennedy Group studies how the immune system contributes to obesity-associated metabolic disorders, including type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular disease. The central focus of the group’s research is inflammation, a hallmark feature linking obesity to metabolic dysfunction. The group investigates how innate and adaptive immune responses, particularly T cell activation, are shaped by metabolic disease states, with an emphasis on identifying antigens that drive immune activation in obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. In parallel, this work explores how nutrients such as lipids and carbohydrates influence immune cell metabolism, activation, and function. By integrating immunology and metabolism, the Kennedy Group aims to uncover mechanisms that connect nutrient environment, immune signaling, and chronic disease, providing insight into pathways that could be targeted to improve metabolic health.