Adipocyte Fatty Acid Binding Protein (AFABP) is a 15 kDa member of the intracellular Fatty Acid Binding Protein (FABP) family, which is known for the ability to bind fatty acids and related compounds. AFABP is expressed in a tissue specific-manner in differentiated adipocytes and is a critical gene in the regulation of the biological function of these cells. According to some results, AFABP may be involved in mediating obesity-induced alterations in adipocyte gene expression. In macrophages AFABP modulates inflammatory responses and cholesterol ester accumulation, and total or macrophage-specific AFABP deficiency confers dramatic protection against atherosclerosis in the apoE-/- mice. These results indicate a central role for AFABP in the development of major components of the metabolic syndrome through its distinct actions in adipocytes and macrophages. Besides being active within the cell, AFAB appears to be a secreted protein, with unknown function.