Nicotinamide Riboside Suppresses Coronavirus Replication: Preclinical Findings

Synopsis

Viruses like SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19, rely on the host’s metabolism to reproduce. This study used a related coronavirus model in mice to explore how metabolic interventions could stop viral growth. The researchers found that infection increased glycolysis (sugar-based energy production) while reducing mitochondrial activity. By reactivating the TCA cycle—the main energy-generating pathway in cells—viral replication could be slowed or stopped. Treatments that enhanced mitochondrial metabolism, including pyruvate, fatty acids, and nicotinamide riboside (NR), significantly suppressed coronavirus replication. NR, which boosts NAD+ and fuels the TCA cycle, was especially effective. These findings suggest that targeting cellular energy pathways—particularly with NAD+-boosting compounds like NR—could offer a new therapeutic strategy against coronavirus infections.

Journal

Cell & Bioscience