Extracellular RNAs from immune cells under obesity—a narrative review

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Obesity affects hundreds of millions of people worldwide and is characterized by chronic inflammation and insulin resistance, leading to Type II diabetes and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Extracellular RNAs (exRNAs) are among the components which effect immune actions under obese conditions, and technological advances in recent years have rapidly increased our understanding of their roles and functions. Here we review essential background information on exRNAs and vesicles as well as the impact of immune-derived exRNAs in obesity-related disease. We also offer perspectives on clinical applications of exRNAs and future research directions. METHODS: We searched PubMed for articles relevant to immune-derived exRNAs in obesity. Articles written in English and published prior to May 25, 2022 were included. KEY CONTENT AND FINDINGS: We report findings on the roles of immune-derived exRNAs which are important in obesity-related disease. We also highlight several exRNAs derived from other cell lineages which act on immune cells in metabolic disease. CONCLUSIONS: ExRNAs produced by immune cells have profound local and systemic effects under obese conditions and can impact metabolic disease phenotypes. Immune-derived exRNAs represent an important target for future research and therapy.