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Metabolic regulation of host defence against viral infection through sensing oxaloacetate

Metabolic pathways are important for all biological processes, including host defence against pathogens. We show that activation of innate immune signalling is primed by oxaloacetate sensing through the cytosolic malate dehydrogenase MDH1, ensuring optimal production of type I interferons and host immune homeostasis in response to influenza virus infection.

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Fig. 1: OAA suppresses IAV infection through MDH1.

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This is a summary of: Jin, S. et al. Oxaloacetate sensing promotes innate immune antiviral defence against influenza virus infection. Nat. Microbiol. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-025-02107-3 (2025).

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Metabolic regulation of host defence against viral infection through sensing oxaloacetate. Nat Microbiol 10, 2367–2368 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41564-025-02129-x

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