Itaconate or how I learned to stop avoiding the study of immunometabolism

Abstract

Itaconate is a mitochondrial metabolite, produced in high amounts by macrophages and monocytes of mice and humans upon activation by several inflammatory stimuli. In 2013, the identity of the itaconate-producing enzyme was revealed as aconitate decarboxylase 1, encoded by the gene Acod1 (previously known as immune-responsive gene 1, Irg1). This clear linkage of production of a mitochondrial metabolite in response to inflammatory signalling immediately raised a flurry of interest. Indeed, itaconate has significant immunomodulatory properties and may pave the way for new immunomodulatory drugs. Presented here are several aspects of itaconate biology and a discussion of future research avenues.

Topics & Concepts