Single-cell metabolomics reveals infection-specific metabolic reprogramming of human macrophages

Martinez-Oca, P.; Meng, A.; Vanbellingen, Q.; Albert, M.; Thomas, A.; Bomme, P.; Garcia-Rodriguez, F.-J.; COSIPOP Study Group,; Tinevez, J.-Y.; Aros, S.; Buchrieser, C.; Escoll, P.

doi:10.64898/2026.09.03.749052

bioRxiv · 10.64898/2026.09.03.749052

Single-cell metabolomics reveals infection-specific metabolic reprogramming of human macrophages

Martinez-Oca, P.·Meng, A.·Vanbellingen, Q.·Albert, M.·Thomas, A.·Bomme, P.·Garcia-Rodriguez, F.-J.·COSIPOP Study Group,·Tinevez, J.-Y.·Aros, S.·Buchrieser, C.·Escoll, P.

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Abstract

During intracellular infection, host cells adopt different metabolic states that traditional bulk analyses cannot distinguish. Using single-cell spatial metabolomics of human macrophages infected with Legionella pneumophila, we show that bacterial uptake activates host metabolism, whereas the bacterial effectors secreted through the type IV secretion system counteract this response and promote a glycolytic shift. The activity of effectors also generates distinct metabolic states within the infected macrophage population.

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Martinez-Oca, P., Meng, A., Vanbellingen, Q., Albert, M., Thomas, A., Bomme, P., Garcia-Rodriguez, F.-J., COSIPOP Study Group,, Tinevez, J.-Y., Aros, S., Buchrieser, C., Escoll, P.. 2026-09-03. Single-cell metabolomics reveals infection-specific metabolic reprogramming of human macrophages. https://doi.org/10.64898/2026.09.03.749052

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