Homeostatic control of redox status and health

Research on oxidants and electrophiles has shifted from focusing on damage to biomolecules to the more fine-grained physiological arena. Redox transitions as excursions from a steady-state redox set point are continually ongoing in maintenance of redox balance. Current excitement on these topics results from the fact that recent research provided mechanistic insight, which gives rise to more concrete and differentiated questions. This Commentary focuses on redox eustress and the feedback restoration of steady state as concepts in active maintenance of physiological health, with brief discussion of redox stress response to viral infection, exemplified by COVID-19.

Automated summary

Research on oxidants and electrophiles has shifted focus towards the dynamic maintenance of redox balance and redox eustress, providing mechanistic insight and raising specific questions in the field. Excitement in this area is driven by recent research advancements that shed light on the active concepts related to maintaining physiological health through redox regulation and response to stress, such as viral infections like COVID-19.