biostudies-literatureCimpean MNIAID NIH HHSNIH525-534https://www.ebi.ac.uk/biostudies/studies/S-EPMC11262056biostudies-literatureUnknown113(5)Natural killer (NK) cells quickly mount cytotoxic responses, produce cytokines, and proliferate in response to infected or transformed cells. Moreover, they can develop memory, with enhanced effector responses following activation, in some cases with antigen specificity. To optimally execute these functions, NK cells undergo metabolic reprogramming. Here, we discuss the interplay between metabolism and NK cell function in the context of viral infections. We review findings supporting metabolic regulation of NK cell effector functions, with a focus on NK cell antiviral infection in the context of cytomegalovirus in the mouse (MCMV) and human (HCMV).Journal of leukocyte biologyMetabolic regulation of NK cell antiviral functions during cytomegalovirus infection.PMC11262056R01 AI127752R01 R01AI127752Cimpean MCooper MAfalseMetabolic regulation of NK cell antiviral functions during cytomegalovirus infection.Natural killer (NK) cells quickly mount cytotoxic responses, produce cytokines, and proliferate in response to infected or transformed cells. Moreover, they can develop memory, with enhanced effector responses following activation, in some cases with antigen specificity. To optimally execute these functions, NK cells undergo metabolic reprogramming. Here, we discuss the interplay between metabolism and NK cell function in the context of viral infections. We review findings supporting metabolic regulation of NK cell effector functions, with a focus on NK cell antiviral infection in the context of cytomegalovirus in the mouse (MCMV) and human (HCMV).2023-01-01T00:00:00Z2023 May2025-04-04T14:45:57.889Z2025-04-04T14:45:57.889ZS-EPMC112620563684343410.1093/jleuko/qiad018