Itaconic acid

Mammalian antibacterial metabolite. Inhibitor of isocitrate lyase, the key enzyme of the glyoxylate cycle, essential for bacterial growth [1, 4]. Antimicrobial. Antibacterial [1, 3, 4]. Inhibits the growth of bacteria expressing isocitrate lyase [1, 3, 4]. Phosphofructokinase (PFKII) inhibitor. Suppresses glycolysis by decreasing the level of fructose 2,6-bisphosphate, resulting in decreased visceral fat [2]. Might be involved in the regulation of metabolism [2]. One of the most highly induced metabolites in activated macrophages. Exerts anti-inflammatory effects in vitro and in vivo. Regulates succinate levels by inhibiting succinate dehydrogenase (SDH). Regulates mitochondrial respiration and cytokine production. Might induce inflammasome activation and consequently IL-1beta secretion by generating ROS.