Role of bile acid metabolites in regulating viral infections

Yanan Zhang; Shu Jeffrey Zhu

doi:10.1016/j.tim.2025.12.008

Role of bile acid metabolites in regulating viral infections

Trends Microbiol. 2026 Feb;34(2):134-137. doi: 10.1016/j.tim.2025.12.008. Epub 2026 Jan 27.

Authors

Yanan Zhang¹, Shu Jeffrey Zhu²

Affiliations

¹ Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China.
² Department of Veterinary Medicine, College of Animal Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 310058, China; Department of Critical Care Medicine, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou 310016, China. Electronic address: shuzhu@zju.edu.cn.

PMID: 41605717
DOI: 10.1016/j.tim.2025.12.008

Abstract

Gut microbiota-derived bile acids are emerging as pivotal regulators of viral pathogenesis. They exhibit dual roles by directly blocking or promoting viral entry, while also systemically tuning immune responses. This forum discusses how spatiotemporal mapping of these interactions can address unresolved questions and inspire novel microbiome-based antiviral strategies.

Keywords: bile acid metabolism; gut microbiota; immunomodulation; pathogenesis; viral infection.

Publication types

Introductory Journal Article

MeSH terms

Animals
Bile Acids and Salts* / metabolism
Gastrointestinal Microbiome
Humans
Virus Diseases* / immunology
Virus Diseases* / metabolism
Virus Diseases* / virology
Virus Internalization
Viruses / pathogenicity

Substances

Bile Acids and Salts