Study Reveals How Lipid Droplets Worsen Flu and Help Viral Spread While Statins Can Combat IAV Viruses Including H5N1
Nikhil Prasad Fact checked by:Thailand Medical News Team Mar 03, 2025 11 hours, 31 minutes ago
Medical News: Researchers Identify a Key Factor in Influenza Severity
A groundbreaking study has uncovered how lipid droplets inside cells play a critical role in worsening lung damage and increasing the spread of the influenza A virus (IAV). The research, conducted by scientists from China Agricultural University, Peking University Third Hospital, Zhongmu Institutes of China Animal Husbandry Industry, and Beijing University of Agriculture, highlights a previously unknown link between lipid metabolism and flu severity.
Study Reveals How Lipid Droplets Worsen Flu and Help Viral Spread While Statins Can
Combat IAV Viruses Including H5N1
Influenza A is a major global health concern, causing seasonal outbreaks and potential pandemics. The virus constantly evolves, making it challenging to develop long-lasting vaccines. Understanding how it interacts with the body’s natural processes could lead to new ways of controlling infections. This
Medical News report examines the study’s key findings and their potential impact on flu treatment strategies.
Lipid Droplets Help Influenza Replicate and Damage Lungs
Lipid droplets (LDs) are tiny structures inside cells that store fats. The study found that during influenza A infection, these lipid droplets increase significantly. The researchers discovered that the virus triggers the activation of a protein called SREBP2, which in turn promotes the formation of LDs. These droplets are then used by the virus to enhance its replication.
Using both cellular models and infected mice, scientists observed that higher levels of LDs were directly linked to increased viral replication and more severe lung damage. The results suggest that by hijacking the body's lipid metabolism, the influenza virus ensures its own survival while causing more harm to the host.
Blocking Lipid Droplet Formation Reduces Flu Severity
The researchers explored ways to counteract this effect by targeting SREBP2. When they used an inhibitor called fatostatin, they found that it successfully reduced the formation of LDs. As a result, viral replication significantly decreased, and lung inflammation was notably lower in the treated mice compared to those that did not receive the inhibitor.
Atorvastatin, a cholesterol-lowering drug, was also tested in infected cells. It effectively blocked LD formation and reduced viral levels. These findings suggest that existing drugs targeting lipid metabolism might be repurposed to help fight severe influenza infections.
Potential New Approach to Flu Treatment
The discovery that the influenza virus relies on lipid droplets to replicate opens up new possibilities for antiviral strategies. Instead of directly attacking the virus, scientists could focus on disrupting its ability to use the host’s lipid stores. This method could be particularly useful in fighting drug-resistant flu strains, as it targets the host’s cellular processe
s rather than the virus itself.
While the study mainly focused on the H5N1 strain of the influenza A virus, the researchers believe similar mechanisms may apply to other strains. More studies are needed to confirm these findings in humans and to explore the potential of developing treatments based on lipid metabolism inhibition.
Conclusion
This research sheds light on the critical role of lipid droplets in influenza virus replication and disease severity. The findings provide strong evidence that targeting the SREBP2 pathway can help reduce flu symptoms and lower viral replication rates. The study also highlights the potential for repurposing existing cholesterol-lowering drugs to combat severe flu infections. Future research will focus on developing safe and effective treatments that prevent the virus from using the body’s lipid reserves. If successful, these therapies could revolutionize how influenza is treated, offering a new line of defense against seasonal flu and potential pandemics.
The study findings were published in the peer-reviewed journal: Emerging Microbes & Infections.
https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/22221751.2025.2470371
For the latest Influenza News, keep on logging to Thailand
Medical News.
Read Also:
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/an-update-on-approved-and-innovative-therapeutic-approaches-to-combatting-influenza-viruses
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/oseltamivir-tamiflu-found-to-be-hepatoxic-and-can-cause-liver-damage-in-flu-patients
https://www.thailandmedical.news/news/rising-concern-over-influenza-related-brain-damage-in-children-and-rising-pediatric-deaths
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/influenza-or-flu
https://www.thailandmedical.news/articles/h5n1-avian-flu
https://www.thailandmedical.news/pages/thailand_doctors_listings
Share
Tweet
Share
