Targeting host metabolism to control viral immunopathology

Viruses are obligate intracellular parasites and are metabolically inert, lacking the capacity for independent energy production or biosynthesis. As a consequence, they rely entirely on host cellular metabolic machinery to support their replication and persistence. Viral infection typically induces profound metabolic alterations not only in infected cells but also in multiple host cell populations that respond to infection. These changes include modulation of glycolysis, lipid metabolism, mitochondrial function, and amino acid utilization. In addition, innate immune mediators such as cytokines and interferons further influence metabolic pathways in both infected and neighboring uninfected cells. Such intercellular metabolic communication plays a critical role in shaping immune cell activation, differentiation, and effector function. These integrated immunometabolic interactions ultimately determine the balance between effective antiviral responses and the development of immunopathology, highlighting metabolism as a key regulatory axis in viral disease outcomes.Current antiviral strategies largely focus on targeting viral components, but they are frequently constrained by mutation and drug resistance. Targeting host metabolic pathways represents an attractive, complementary approach. However, modulating these pathways may also carry risks, as inappropriate metabolic modulation could impair protective immunity or promote viral persistence. Accordingly, the major challenge is therefore to identify strategies that achieve effective viral control while minimizing immunopathology. This collection is intended to bridge this gap by integrating mechanistic, translational, and clinical insights to advance the development of host-directed, metabolism-targeted antiviral therapies.This Research Topic aims to provide a platform for studies examining the interactions between viral infection and host metabolism at both cellular and systemic levels. We welcome Original Research, Review, and Perspective articles that address, but are not limited to, the following areas:• Viral modulation of host metabolic pathways, including glycolysis, lipid metabolism, glutaminolysis, and mitochondrial function • Metabolic communication between infected and uninfected cells during viral infection • Immunometabolic regulation of innate and adaptive immune responses • Interferon-driven metabolic reprogramming in antiviral defense • Metabolic control of viral replication, persistence, latency, and reactivation • Influence of host metabolic status (e.g., obesity, diabetes) on viral disease outcomes • Nutritional and microbiome-related effects on antiviral immunity • Therapeutic targeting of host metabolism as a strategy to control viral infections Topic editors: Engin Berber, Deepak Sumbria, Kotaro Shirakawa Source: https://www.frontiersin.org/research-topics/83849/targeting-host-metabolism-to-control-viral-immunopathology