Lipid metabolism, viral infection, and antiviral immunity: a new host-pathogen interface

Viral infections pose significant challenges to global health. Lipid metabolism plays a crucial role in various biological processes, including cell membrane structure, signaling, and energy homeostasis. Recent studies have highlighted the intricate relationship between lipid metabolism and viral infections, revealing how viruses exploit host lipid pathways to facilitate their replication and assembly. This review aims to elucidate the mechanisms by which viruses manipulate lipid metabolism and the subsequent impact on antiviral immunity. We systematically analyze the biological basis of lipid synthesis and degradation, emphasizing the role of lipids in immune cell function and the regulation of antiviral responses. Furthermore, we explore how altered lipid metabolism can influence immune responses in disease states, providing insights into the differential utilization of lipid pathways by various viruses. This review highlights suggest potential therapeutic strategies, including the development of antiviral drugs targeting lipid metabolism, modulation of lipid pathways to enhance immune responses, and combination therapies that integrate lipid metabolism modulation with conventional antiviral treatments. Future research directions are proposed, focusing on the interaction between lipid metabolism and emerging viral strains, the application of metabolomics in viral infection studies. This comprehensive review underscores the significance of lipid metabolism as a novel host-pathogen interface, paving the way for innovative therapeutic approaches in combating viral infections.