Intrinsic Factors Behind the Long-COVID: V. Immunometabolic Disorders

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Metabolic Diseases
• Viral Infections

Background:

• COVID-19 severity correlates with immunometabolic diseases.
• Hyperinflammation in severe COVID-19 is exacerbated by chronic conditions and elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines.
• Metabolic reprogramming, including altered glycolysis and mitochondrial function, fuels viral replication and inflammation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the complex interplay between COVID-19 and immunometabolic diseases.
• To elucidate how metabolic dysfunction impacts viral infections and immune responses.
• To highlight therapeutic strategies addressing both immunological and metabolic aspects of COVID-19 and long COVID.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on COVID-19, immunometabolism, and related diseases.
• Analysis of mechanisms linking metabolic reprogramming to viral pathogenesis.
• Synthesis of current understanding of long COVID's immunometabolic features.

Main Results:

• Metabolic dysfunction, particularly mitochondrial abnormalities, worsens COVID-19 severity and cardiovascular risks.
• Altered cellular metabolism promotes viral replication and cytokine storm.
• Long COVID exhibits chronic inflammation and immune dysregulation, linked to persistent metabolic issues.

Conclusions:

• The intricate relationship between metabolic health and immune response is central to COVID-19 pathogenesis.
• Targeting both immune and metabolic pathways offers a promising approach for treating COVID-19 and its sequelae.
• Further research into immunometabolic interactions is essential for comprehensive patient management.