The Nucleotide Sensor ZBP1 and Kinase RIPK3 Induce the Enzyme IRG1 to Promote an Antiviral Metabolic State in Neurons (Immunity)

Daniels et al. find that molecules traditionally associated with necroptotic cell death engage a death-independent transcriptional program in neurons during Zika virus infection. This transcriptional program includes the enzyme IRG1, whose product, itaconate, reprograms neuronal metabolism in a manner that restricts Zika virus replication.