PNNL

Abstract

Infection with the influenza virus triggers an innate immune response aimed at initiating the adaptive response to halt viral replication and spread. However, the metabolic response fueling the molecular mechanisms underlying changes in innate immune cell homeostasis remain undefined. Thus, we compared the metabolic response of dendritic cells to that of those infected with active and inactive influenza A virus, or treated with toll like receptor agonists. While influenza infects dendritic cells, it does not productively replicate in these cells, and therefore metabolic changes upon infection may represent an adaptive response on the part of the host cells. Using quantitative mass spectrometry along with pulse chase substrate utilization assays and metabolic flux measurements, we found global metabolic changes 17 hours post infection, including significant changes in carbon commitment via glycolysis and glutaminolysis, as well as ATP production via TCA cycle and oxidative phosphorylation. Influenza infection of dendritic cells led to a metabolic phenotype, distinct from that induced by TLR agonists, with significant resilience in terms of metabolic plasticity. We identified Myc as one transcription factor modulating this response. Restriction of either Myc activity or mitochondrial substrates resulted in significant changes in the innate immune functions of dendritic cells, including reduced motility and T cell activation. Early in the infection process dendritic cells respond with global metabolic restructuring that impacts their effector function, suggesting that metabolic switching in dendritic cells plays a vital role in initiating the immune response to influenza infection.