The circadian rhythm of viruses and its implications on susceptibility to infection

ABSTRACT

Introduction

Circadian genes have an impact on multiple hormonal, metabolic, and immunological pathways and have recently been implicated in some infectious diseases.

Areas covered

We review aspects related to the current knowledge about circadian rhythm and viral infections, their consequences, and the potential therapeutic options.

Expert opinion

Expert opinion: In order to address a problem, it is necessary to know the topic in depth. Although in recent years there has been a growing interest in the role of circadian rhythms, many relevant questions remain to be resolved. Thus, the mechanisms linking the circadian machinery against viral infections are poorly understood. In a clear approach to personalized precision medicine, in order to treat a disease in the most appropriate phase of the circadian rhythm, and in order to achieve the optimal efficacy, it is highly recommended to carry out studies that improve the knowledge about the circadian rhythm.

KEYWORDS:

• Chronotherapeutics
• clock
• circadian rhythms
• host–virus interactions
• infection
• virus infection

Article highlights

• Circadian rhythm governs every aspect of life.

• Circadian disruption increases the risk of chronic diseases and the susceptibility to infection.

• Viruses can reprogramme cellular metabolism, which can affect the mechanisms involved in circadian rhythm.

• The role of the circadian clock in controlling infection is unknown.

Author contributions

JRB contributed to the conception and design of the review article; all the authors have been involved in writing the review article and revised it for intellectual content.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Reviewer disclosures

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial or other relationships to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

This paper was not funded.