Targeting a metabolic pathway to fight the flu

FEBS J. 2017 Jan;284(2):218-221. doi: 10.1111/febs.13997.

Abstract

Our antiviral arsenal to fight influenza viruses is limited and we need novel anti-flu drugs. Recently, cellular drug targets came into focus and omics analysis were instrumental to suggest candidate factors. In this issue of The FEBS Journal, Kainov and colleagues used transcriptome data to investigate virus-induced changes in tryptophan metabolism that may serve as immunomodulatory approach against viruses.

Publication types

  • Comment

MeSH terms

  • Antiviral Agents / pharmacology*
  • Host-Pathogen Interactions
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors / pharmacology*
  • Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase / genetics
  • Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase / immunology
  • Influenza, Human / drug therapy*
  • Influenza, Human / immunology
  • Influenza, Human / pathology
  • Influenza, Human / virology
  • Interferons / genetics
  • Interferons / immunology
  • Kynurenine / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Kynurenine / biosynthesis
  • Macrophages / drug effects
  • Macrophages / virology
  • Metabolic Networks and Pathways / drug effects*
  • Metabolic Networks and Pathways / genetics
  • Metabolic Networks and Pathways / immunology
  • Orthomyxoviridae / genetics
  • Orthomyxoviridae / growth & development
  • Orthomyxoviridae / metabolism*
  • Transcriptome
  • Tryptophan / metabolism

Substances

  • Antiviral Agents
  • IDO1 protein, human
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Indoleamine-Pyrrole 2,3,-Dioxygenase
  • Kynurenine
  • Tryptophan
  • Interferons