Itaconate: an antimicrobial metabolite of macrophages

Itaconate is a conjugated 1,4-dicarboxylate produced by macrophages. This small molecule has recently received increasing attention due to its role in modulating the immune response of macrophages upon exposure pathogens. also been proposed play an antimicrobial function; however, this not explored as intensively. Consistent with latter, itaconate known show antibacterial activity vitro and was reported inhibit isocitrate lyase, enzyme required for survival bacterial pathogens mammalian systems. Recent studies have revealed growth inhibition under biologically relevant conditions. In addition, substantiated high concentration found bacteria-containing vacuoles, production itaconate-degrading enzymes such Salmonella enterica ser. Typhimurium, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Yersinia pestis. review describes current state literature understanding agent host–pathogen interactions.