Hypoxia and viral infectious diseases

Oxygen-sensing mechanisms allow cells to adapt and respond to changes in cellular oxygen tension, including hypoxic conditions. Hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) is a central mediator in this fundamental adaptive response, and has critical functions in normal and disease physiology. Viruses have been shown to manipulate HIFs during their life cycle to facilitate replication and invasion. Conversely, HIFs are also implicated in the development of the host immune system and response to viral infections. Here, we highlight the recent revelations of host-pathogen interactions that involve the hypoxic response pathway and the role of HIF in emerging viral infectious diseases, as well as discussing potential antiviral therapeutic strategies targeting the HIF signaling axis.

Automated summary

Research has shown that viruses can manipulate HIF to promote infection, while HIF is also associated with the host immune system and response to viral infections. Recent studies focus on the role of the hypoxic response pathway and HIF in emerging viral infectious diseases, discussing potential antiviral therapeutic strategies targeting the HIF signaling axis.