Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Considerable attention has been recently devoted to the involvement of immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS) during infections with neurotropic viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, HIV-1, and ZIKV. These viruses are capable of infecting astrocytes and microglia, the main glial cells in the CNS, responsible for regulating neuronal activity. Here, we discuss how viral infections lead to metabolic reprogramming toward aerobic glycolysis in these cells, enhancing pro-inflammatory pathways, such as inflammasome activation, resulting in the secretion of inflammatory cytokines that favor the development of neuroinflammation. In this mini review, we discuss the pivotal interplay between metabolism and immunity towards viral pathogenesis in the CNS, pointing out the relevance of therapeutic strategies targeting both metabolic and immunological pathways to enhance antiviral and neuroprotective responses.
Source: Frontiers in Immunology
Institution: Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina
Language: English
Subfield: Neurology
Field: Neuroscience
Domain: Life Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,801
OpenAlex ID: W4417479412