Metabolic Alterations in Chronic Viral Infections

Dear Colleagues,

Chronic and persistent viral infections induce sustained remodeling of host metabolic pathways, leading to measurable changes in small-molecule metabolites that influence immune responses, viral persistence, endothelial function, and long-term disease outcomes. Characterizing these metabolite-level alterations is essential for advancing the mechanistic understanding of host–virus interactions and for identifying robust metabolic biomarkers with diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic relevance.

This Special Issue welcomes original research articles, reviews, and methodological studies focused on the measurement, identification, quantification, and biological interpretation of metabolites and metabolic pathways in chronic viral infections, including but not limited to HIV, HCV, HBV, persistent or post-acute SARS-CoV-2 infection, ZYKV, EBV, and CMV. Submissions emphasizing metabolomic profiling, lipidomics, metabolic flux analysis, biomarker discovery, and computational or systems-level modeling of metabolic networks are particularly encouraged. We also invite studies exploring metabolite-driven mechanisms linking viral infection with inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, platelet activation, and thrombotic complications, as well as investigations into mitochondrial metabolism, redox balance, and nutrient-sensing pathways.

Contributions employing advanced analytical platforms, rigorous quantitative workflows, reproducible experimental designs, and integrative multi-omics or computational approaches are strongly encouraged. By prioritizing precise metabolite measurement and mechanistic metabolic insight, this Special Issue aims to advance both fundamental and translational knowledge at the interface of virology, metabolism, and clinical medicine.

Dr. Monserrat Álvarez-Zavala
Dr. Engin Berber
Guest Editors

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