Cis-aconitate therapy protects against influenza mortality by dual targeting of viral polymerase and ERK/AKT/NF-κB signaling

Influenza virus poses a significant global health challenge, causing approximately 500,000 deaths annually. Its ability to evade antiviral treatments and vaccine-induced immunity underscores the need for novel therapeutic approaches. Our study identifiescis-aconitate (cis-aco), a mitochondria-derived metabolite, as a potent dual-action agent against influenza, independently of its metabolic derivative, itaconate.Cis-aco impairs viral polymerase activity, suppressing viral mRNA expression and protein synthesis to inhibit replication across a range of influenza subtypes. This antiviral efficacy is confirmed inex vivohuman airway and lung organotypic models. Beyond its antiviral properties,cis-acoexhibits potent anti-inflammatory effects, disrupting key inflammatory cascades and reducing the secretion of inflammatory mediators. In a mouse model of influenza pneumonia,cis-aco mitigates viral replication, inflammation, and immune cell activation, significantly improving survival. Notably, its efficacy persists even when administered at later stages of infection, when oseltamivir/Tamiflu® is no longer effective. These findings positioncis-aco as a promising influenza treatment, combining antiviral and anti-inflammatory benefits within a clinically relevant timeframe.