AMPK Signalling as a Therapeutic Target in Metabolic and Inflammatory Pathologies: Novel Activators and Disease Applications

AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a master energy sensor and a central regulator that connects metabolism and immunity across diverse cellular contexts. Originally recognized for its roles in metabolic homeostasis and chronic diseases such as obesity, sarcopenia, and type 2 diabetes, AMPK has recently emerged as a pivotal player in host defense. Through coordination of autophagy, mitochondrial homeostasis, inflammasome regulation, and immune cell differentiation, AMPK orchestrates host responses to bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic infections. A growing body of work shows that numerous pathogens, including Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Salmonella, Listeria, HBV, HCV, and SARS-CoV-2, exploit or suppress AMPK signaling for their own advantage. Conversely, pharmacologic or nutraceutical AMPK activation has shown promise in boosting antimicrobial defense, curbing pathological inflammation, and even reversing antimicrobial resistance. Despite these advances, critical questions remain regarding the mechanistic underpinnings of AMPK-dependent immune modulation, its tissue-specific roles during infection, and how it can be harnessed for host-directed therapy.This Research Topic aims to bring together mechanistic, preclinical, and translational studies elucidating the multifaceted roles of AMPK in immunity and infection. We seek to highlight new insights into how AMPK regulates cellular metabolism during infection, coordinates autophagy and mitochondrial quality control, shapes immune cell polarization and signaling, and interfaces with pathogen strategies to subvert host defense. Furthermore, we aim to explore the therapeutic potential of AMPK activators, ranging from repurposed metabolic drugs to natural compounds and engineered nanocarriers, and their application in infection-driven inflammatory and metabolic disorders. Collectively, this Research Topic will define how AMPK can be strategically targeted to enhance host resilience and immunity.To gather further insights into AMPK’s roles at the intersection of metabolism, infection, and inflammation, we welcome contributions that explore but are not limited to the following themes:o Molecular and cellular mechanisms of AMPK signaling in anti-infective immunity and immunometabolismo AMPK-mediated regulation of autophagy, mitophagy, inflammasome activation, and immune cell reprogramming during infectiono Pharmacological, natural, or synthetic AMPK activators as host-directed anti-infective or anti-inflammatory therapeuticso Pathogen effectors and viral proteins that modulate AMPK pathways to facilitate replication or immune evasiono Extracellular vesicles as mediators or delivery vehicles of AMPK signaling in infection and inflammationo AMPK dysregulation in infection-driven chronic inflammation, metabolic comorbidities, or post-infectious syndromeso Integrated strategies pairing AMPK activation with conventional antimicrobials to enhance pathogen clearance and immune balance Topic editors: Yohan Han, Jinbong Park Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/83489/ampk-signalling-as-a-therapeutic-target-in-metabolic-and-inflammatory-pathologies-novel-activators-and-disease-applications