Figure 10. Schematic diagram of HGK-mediated reciprocal regulation between T cells and adipocytes.

HGK deficiency leads to constitutive TRAF2 overexpression and IL-6 overproduction in T cells. The circulating IL-6-producing T cells infiltrate to adipose tissue and enhance the production of leptin, which in turn cooperates with IL-6 to induce Th17 differentiation. The induction of adipose tissue Th17 cells leads to insulin resistance.