Stealing the Keys to the Kitchen: Viral Manipulation of the Host Cell Metabolic Network

Host cells possess the metabolic assets required for viral infection. Recent studies indicate that control of the host's metabolic resources is a core host–pathogen interaction. Viruses have evolved mechanisms to usurp the host's metabolic resources, funneling them towards the production of virion components as well as the organization of specialized compartments for replication, maturation, and dissemination. Consequently, hosts have developed a variety of metabolic countermeasures to sense and resist these viral changes. The complex interplay between virus and host over metabolic control has only just begun to be deconvoluted. However, it is clear that virally induced metabolic reprogramming can substantially impact infectious outcomes, highlighting the promise of targeting these processes for antiviral therapeutic development.

TrendsNumerous viruses modulate host-cell metabolic processes to ensure successful infection.The host-cell metabolic network contributes the energy, precursors, and specialized components necessary to produce infectious virions.Viruses deploy host-cell metabolic activities to organize viral maturation compartments.Metabolic control is a host–pathogen interaction that can sway the outcome of viral infection.