Retroviral Infection and Commensal Bacteria Dependently Alter the Metabolomic Profile in a Sterile Organ

Both viruses and bacteria produce pathogen associated molecular patterns that may affect microbial pathogenesis and anti-microbial responses. Additionally, bacteria produce metabolites, while viruses could change the metabolic profiles of the infected cells. Here, we used an unbiased metabolomics approach to profile metabolites in spleens and blood of murine leukemia virus-infected mice monocolonized with Lactobacillus murinus to show that viral infection significantly changes the metabolite profile of monocolonized mice. We hypothesize that these changes could contribute to viral pathogenesis or to the host response against the virus and thus open a new avenue for future investigations.

Automated summary

Both viruses and bacteria can produce molecular patterns that affect microbial pathogenesis and anti-microbial responses. In addition, bacteria produce metabolites, while viruses can change the metabolic profiles of infected cells. Using an unbiased metabolomics approach, this study found that viral infection significantly alters the metabolite profile of mice monocolonized with Lactobacillus murinus. These findings suggest that the changes in metabolites could play a role in viral pathogenesis or the host response against the virus, providing a new avenue for future investigations.