Mitochondria-mediated oxidative stress during viral infection

Through oxidative phosphorylation, mitochondria play a central role in energy production and are an important production source of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Not surprisingly, viruses have evolved to exploit this organelle in order to support their infection cycle. Beyond its role in the cellular antiviral response, induction of oxidative stress has emerged as a common strategy employed by many viruses to promote their replication. Here, we review the key molecular mechanisms employed by viruses to interact with mitochondria and induce oxidative stress. Furthermore, we discuss how viruses benefit from increased ROS levels, how they control ROS production to maintain a favorable redox environment, and how they cope with ROS-mediated cell death.