# Viral reprogramming of glial metabolism as a driver of neuroinflammation

## TL;DR

This paper explores how viruses like SARS-CoV-2, HIV-1, and ZIKV reprogram glial cell metabolism in the brain, leading to neuroinflammation.

## Contribution

The paper highlights the novel connection between viral-induced metabolic changes in glial cells and the activation of inflammatory pathways in the CNS.

## Key findings

- Viral infections promote aerobic glycolysis in astrocytes and microglia.
- This metabolic shift enhances inflammasome activation and cytokine secretion.
- Targeting metabolic and immunological pathways could improve antiviral and neuroprotective responses.

## Abstract

Considerable attention has been recently devoted to the involvement of immune cells in the central nervous system (CNS) during infections with neurotropic viruses, such as SARS-CoV-2, HIV-1, and ZIKV. These viruses are capable of infecting astrocytes and microglia, the main glial cells in the CNS, responsible for regulating neuronal activity. Here, we discuss how viral infections lead to metabolic reprogramming toward aerobic glycolysis in these cells, enhancing pro-inflammatory pathways, such as inflammasome activation, resulting in the secretion of inflammatory cytokines that favor the development of neuroinflammation. In this mini review, we discuss the pivotal interplay between metabolism and immunity towards viral pathogenesis in the CNS, pointing out the relevance of therapeutic strategies targeting both metabolic and immunological pathways to enhance antiviral and neuroprotective responses.