Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 30, 2026

Reprograming Model of Human Monocyte-derived Macrophages for In-vitro Assays
Published on: April 18, 2025
Itaconate: the poster child of metabolic reprogramming in macrophage function
Luke A J O'Neill1, Maxim N Artyomov2
1School of Biochemistry and Immunology, Trinity Biomedical Sciences Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland. laoneil@tcd.ie.
Abstract:
Itaconate is one of the best examples of the consequences of metabolic reprogramming during immunity. It is made by diverting aconitate away from the tricarboxylic acid cycle during inflammatory macrophage activation. The main reason macrophages exhibit this response currently appears to be for an anti-inflammatory effect, with itaconate connecting cell metabolism, oxidative and electrophilic stress responses and immune responses. A role for itaconate in the regulation of type I interferons during viral infection has also been described, as well as in M2 macrophage function under defined circumstances. Finally, macrophage-specific itaconate production has also been shown to have a pro-tumour effect. All of these studies point towards itaconate being a critical immunometabolite that could have far-reaching consequences for immunity, host defence and tumorigenesis.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
What is Metabolism?
Introduction to Nuclear Reprogramming
Methods of Nuclear Reprogramming
Carbohydrate Metabolism
Starch accounts for approximately 60% of the carbohydrates consumed by humans. Since amylase enzymes cannot function in the stomach's acidic environment, starch can only be digested in the mouth and small intestine. Simple sugars are found naturally in milk and fruits in...
Somatic to iPS Cell Reprogramming
Overview of Metabolism
Plant Metabolism
Sunlight, the primary source of energy in plants, is first absorbed by the chlorophyll pigments present in their leaves. Plants then use this energy to carry out photosynthesis, where water is oxidized into oxygen and carbon dioxide...

