Pyruvate Affects Inflammatory Responses of Macrophages During Influenza A Virus Infection.

•Pyruvate is an essential metabolite but possesses anti-inflammatory properties.•Pyruvate inhibits immune signaling but not influenza A virus replication.•Decreased immune signaling caused by pyruvate is associated with altered metabolism.•Pyruvate prevents mitochondrial damage in an infection specific manner.•The anti-inflammatory effects of pyruvate are only observed during virus infection.