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Updated: Aug 8, 2025
An In vitro Model to Study Immune Responses of Human Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells to Human Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection
Published on: December 10, 2013
Immunometabolic Signature during Respiratory Viral Infection: A Potential Target for Host-Directed Therapies
Larissa Menezes Dos Reis1, Marcelo Rodrigues Berçot1,2, Bianca Gazieri Castelucci1
1Laboratory of Immunometabolism, Department of Genetics, Evolution, Microbiology and Immunology, University of Campinas, Campinas 13083-862, SP, Brazil.
Abstract:
RNA viruses are known to induce a wide variety of respiratory tract illnesses, from simple colds to the latest coronavirus pandemic, causing effects on public health and the economy worldwide. Influenza virus (IV), parainfluenza virus (PIV), metapneumovirus (MPV), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), rhinovirus (RhV), and coronavirus (CoV) are some of the most notable RNA viruses. Despite efforts, due to the high mutation rate, there are still no effective and scalable treatments that accompany the rapid emergence of new diseases associated with respiratory RNA viruses. Host-directed therapies have been applied to combat RNA virus infections by interfering with host cell factors that enhance the ability of immune cells to respond against those pathogens. The reprogramming of immune cell metabolism has recently emerged as a central mechanism in orchestrated immunity against respiratory viruses. Therefore, understanding the metabolic signature of immune cells during virus infection may be a promising tool for developing host-directed therapies. In this review, we revisit recent findings on the immunometabolic modulation in response to infection and discuss how these metabolic pathways may be used as targets for new therapies to combat illnesses caused by respiratory RNA viruses.
Insights
Host-directed therapies targeting immune cell metabolism show promise for combating respiratory RNA virus infections. Understanding these metabolic changes is key to developing new treatments for illnesses caused by viruses like influenza and coronaviruses.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Virology
- Metabolic research
Background:
- RNA viruses cause significant global health and economic burdens, leading to respiratory illnesses.
- Existing treatments for respiratory RNA viruses are limited due to high mutation rates.
- Host-directed therapies offer a strategy by modulating host cell factors for immune response.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent findings on immunometabolic modulation during respiratory RNA virus infections.
- To explore the potential of targeting immune cell metabolic pathways for novel therapies.
- To highlight the importance of understanding metabolic signatures in host immunity.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent research on immunometabolism and viral infections.
- Analysis of host-directed therapy strategies.
- Discussion of metabolic pathways involved in immune responses to respiratory viruses.
Main Results:
- Immune cell metabolic reprogramming is a critical mechanism in antiviral immunity.
- Metabolic signatures of immune cells during infection provide insights into host defense.
- Host-directed therapies targeting metabolism can enhance immune responses.
Conclusions:
- Understanding immunometabolism is crucial for developing effective treatments against respiratory RNA viruses.
- Targeting metabolic pathways in immune cells represents a promising therapeutic avenue.
- This approach could lead to scalable treatments for emerging viral diseases.
