Work

A renewed perspective on TCA intermediate cis-aconitate: mechanisms and therapeutic options against influenza virus

Year: 2026

Type: other

Abstract: Effective therapeutic strategies for influenza, ranging from seasonal flu outbreaks to sporadic pandemics, should ideally combine antiviral efficacy to accelerate viral clearance with targeted immunomodulation to mitigate excessive inflammation. In this issue of EMBO Molecular Medicine, Cezard et al introduce the inhibitory potential of the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle intermediate cis-aconitate against influenza virus. Cis-aconitate is promising for further translational evaluation, as it meets the dual targeting criteria of antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity at both early as well as late stages of infection. Remarkably, these effects occur independently of its conversion into itaconate, a well-characterized immunomodulatory TCA derivative. This novel aspect of cis-aconitate further supports continued consideration of TCA cycle intermediates beyond their canonical metabolic roles. C. Claus and I. Kovacevic discuss the identification of cis-aconitate, a mitochondria-derived metabolite, with dual antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity against influenza, as reported by M. Si-Tahar and colleagues, in this issue of EMBO Mol Med.

Source: EMBO Molecular Medicine

DOI: 10.1038/s44321-026-00380-1

Authors: Claudia Claus, Igor Kovacevic

Institutions: Leipzig University, Martin Luther University Halle-Wittenberg

Language: English

Topic: Influenza Virus Research Studies

Subfield: Epidemiology

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $7,990