Controlling mitochondrial membrane architecture via MIC60 determines viral replication to promote anti-viral immunity

Virus-infected cells often exhibit dramatic cellular changes accompanied by altered mitochondrial function. The contribution of factors shaping the inner mitochondrial membrane (IMM) and cristae architecture on viral replication is insufficiently understood. Single cell transcriptomics applying vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV) infection suggests involvement of factors determining IMM architecture following infection. Consistently, inhibition of the F1Fo ATP synthase reduces viral replication which is associated with oligomerization of the complex and altered IMM structure. Moreover, deletion of mitochondrial contact site and cristae organizing system (MICOS) complex by targeting MIC60 results in reduced viral replication. Generation of Mic60inv/inv CD11c-Cre+ mice uncovers reduced crista junctions and viral replication in bone marrow-derived dendritic cells. Consequently, reduced viral replication in CD11c-expressing cells limits prolonged immune activation. Altogether, by linking the F1Fo ATP synthase and the MICOS complex to viral replication and immune activation, we describe links between the mitochondrial structure-metabolism and the immune response against viral infection.