Cis-aconitate protects against influenza by targeting viral polymerase and ERK/AKT/NF-κB signaling

ABSTRACT: Influenza virus poses a significant global health challenge, causing approximately 500,000 deaths annually. Its ability to evade antiviral treatments and vaccine-induced immunity underscores the need for novel therapeutic approaches. Our study identifies cis-aconitate (cis-aco), a mitochondria-derived metabolite, as a potent dual-action agent against influenza, independently of its metabolic derivative, itaconate. Cis-aco impairs viral polymerase activity, resulting in decreased viral mRNA expression and protein synthesis, as observed for the influenza A/Scotland/20/74 (H3N2) strain. This antiviral effect was further confirmed across multiple influenza A and B strains, as well as in ex vivo human airway and lung organotypic models. Beyond its antiviral properties, cis-aco exhibits potent a

SUBMITTER: Adeline Cezard 

PROVIDER: S-SCDT-10_1038-S44321-026-00379-8 | biostudies-other |

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-other