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Metabolic Hostile Takeover: How Influenza Virus Reprograms Cellular Metabolism for Replication
Xianfeng Hui1,2, Xiaowei Tian3, Shihuan Ding1,2
1Department of Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan Medical University, Xinxiang 453003, China.
Viruses
|October 29, 2025
Summary
Influenza viruses reprogram host cell metabolism to fuel their replication, altering key pathways like glycolysis and lipid synthesis. Targeting these virus-induced metabolic changes offers potential new antiviral strategies.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Cellular Metabolism
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Influenza viruses rely on host cell machinery for replication.
- Metabolic reprogramming is a key viral strategy.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for antiviral development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review how influenza virus infection alters host cell metabolism.
- To summarize the impact on major metabolic pathways.
- To explore potential antiviral targets based on metabolic shifts.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of current findings on influenza and host metabolism.
- Analysis of metabolic pathway alterations (glycolysis, TCA cycle, lipid, amino acid metabolism).
- Examination of nutrient utilization for viral replication and immune modulation.
Main Results:
- Influenza infection enhances glycolysis and upregulates lipid/amino acid metabolism.
- Oxidative phosphorylation is suppressed, and TCA cycle intermediates are diverted for biosynthesis.
- Metabolic reprogramming supports viral RNA/protein synthesis, membrane formation, and immune evasion.
Conclusions:
- Influenza virus manipulates host metabolism extensively to support its life cycle.
- Metabolic reprogramming influences host immune responses.
- Targeting virus-induced metabolic pathways presents a promising antiviral intervention strategy.
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