Dissecting S-itaconation at host-pathogen interactions with chemical proteomics tools

The molecular essence of the battle between host and pathogens lies in the protein-protein or protein-metabolite interactions. Itaconate is one of the most upregulated immunometabolites, regulating immune responses through either noncovalent binding or covalent modification in the host. We herein briefly review recent progresses in the discoveries of physiological and pathological roles of itaconate and applications of chemical proteomic technologies in exploring itaconate modifications on cysteines (S-itaconation) at the interface of host-pathogen interactions. Key challenges are also proposed as future outlook.