Long‐term persistence of mitochondrial dysfunctions after viral infections and antiviral therapies: A review of mechanisms involved

Abstract Mitochondria are vital for most cells' functions. Viruses hijack mitochondria machinery for misappropriation of energy supply or to bypass defense mechanisms. Many of these mitochondrial dysfunctions persist after recovery from treated or untreated viral infections, particularly when mitochondrial DNA is permanently damaged. Quantitative defects and structural rearrangements of mitochondrial DNA accumulate in post‐mitotic tissues as recently reported long after SARS‐CoV‐2 or HIV infection, or following antiviral therapy. These observations are consistent with the “hit‐and‐run” concept proposed decades ago to explain viro‐induced cell transformation and it could apply to delayed post‐viral onsets of symptoms and advocate for complementary supportive care. Thus, according to this concept, following exposure to viruses or antiviral agents, mitochondrial damage could evolve into an autonomous clinical condition. It also establishes a pathogenic link between communicable and non‐communicable chronic diseases.