Brucella secretory protein VceA promotes FOXO1 entry into the nucleus to shift host cell metabolism toward glycolysis

• First identification of interaction between Brucella secretory protein VceA and host transcription factor FOXO1 via yeast two-hybrid and co-immunoprecipitation. • VceA promotes FOXO1 nuclear translocation, shifting host macrophage metabolism toward glycolysis during Brucella abortus infection. • Deletion of VceA (S2308-ΔVceA) reduces FOXO1 nuclear entry and glycolysis, confirming its critical role in metabolic reprogramming. • Findings offer a novel rationale for metabolic therapeutic strategies against brucellosis and related intracellular infections.