Interactions of SARS-CoV-2 with Human Target Cells-A Metabolic View

Area of Science:

• Virology
• Cellular Metabolism
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites that depend on host cell machinery for replication.
• Viral replication strategies often involve manipulating host cell metabolic pathways.
• Central carbon metabolism, including glycolysis and the pentose phosphate pathway, is frequently altered by viral infections.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review metabolic alterations in host cells induced by viral infections.
• To identify metabolic conditions favorable for SARS-CoV-2 infection in various human cells, tissues, and organs.
• To highlight the potential of targeting host metabolism for antiviral therapies.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of viral-host metabolic interactions.
• Analysis of metabolic reprogramming in human cells during SARS-CoV-2 infection.
• Synthesis of data on metabolic alterations across different human tissues and organs.

Main Results:

• Viruses commonly upregulate glycolysis, pentose phosphate pathway, and the tricarboxylic acid cycle.
• These metabolic shifts provide essential building blocks (nucleotides, amino acids, lipids) for viral proliferation.
• Specific metabolic reprogramming in human cells supports both acute and persistent SARS-CoV-2 infection.

Conclusions:

• Viral manipulation of host metabolism is a critical aspect of viral replication.
• Understanding virus-induced metabolic changes in specific human contexts is crucial for therapeutic development.
• Host-directed therapies targeting metabolic pathways offer a promising avenue for combating viral infections like SARS-CoV-2.