Multifaceted Role of AMPK in Viral Infections

Viral pathogens often exploit host cell regulatory and signaling pathways to ensure an optimal environment for growth and survival. Several studies have suggested that 5 '-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), an intracellular serine/threonine kinase, plays a significant role in the modulation of infection. Traditionally, AMPK is a key energy regulator of cell growth and proliferation, host autophagy, stress responses, metabolic reprogramming, mitochondrial homeostasis, fatty acid beta-oxidation and host immune function. In this review, we highlight the modulation of host AMPK by various viruses under physiological conditions. These intracellular pathogens trigger metabolic changes altering AMPK signaling activity that then facilitates or inhibits viral replication. Considering the COVID-19 pandemic, understanding the regulation of AMPK signaling following infection can shed light on the development of more effective therapeutic strategies against viral infectious diseases.

Automated summary

Viral pathogens often manipulate host cell regulatory and signaling pathways to create an optimal environment for their growth and survival. AMPK plays a significant role in infection modulation, with viruses altering AMPK signaling activity to facilitate or inhibit viral replication. Understanding the regulation of AMPK signaling following infection can aid in developing more effective therapeutic strategies against viral infectious diseases, including the COVID-19 pandemic.