Spatial Metabolomics Reveals Localized Impact of Influenza Virus Infection on the Lung Tissue Metabolome
Danya A. Dean, London Klechka, Ekram Hossain, Adwaita R. Parab, Krystin Eaton, Myron E. Hinsdale, Laura‐Isobel McCall
Abstract
The influenza virus is a major health concern. Over 1 billion people become infected annually despite the wide distribution of vaccines, and antiviral agents are insufficient to address current clinical needs. In this study, we used spatial metabolomics to understand changes in the lung and serum metabolome of mice infected with influenza A virus compared to uninfected controls. We determined metabolites altered by infection in specific lung tissue sites and distinguished metabolites perturbed by infection between lung tissue and serum samples. Our findings highlight the utility of a spatial approach to understanding the intersection between the lung metabolome, viral infection, and disease severity. Ultimately, this approach will expand our understanding of respiratory disease pathogenesis.