From bacteria to biomedicine: Developing therapies exploiting NAD+ metabolism

Abstract

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) serves as a critical cofactor in cellular metabolism and redox reactions. Bacterial pathways rely on NAD⁺ participation, where its stability and concentration govern essential homeostasis and functions. This review delves into the role and metabolic regulation of NAD⁺ in bacteria, highlighting its influence on physiology and virulence. Notably, we explore enzymes linked to NAD⁺ metabolism as antibacterial drug targets and vaccine candidates. Moreover, we scrutinize NAD⁺'s medical potential, offering insights for its application in biomedicine. This comprehensive assessment informs future research directions in the dynamic realm of NAD⁺ and its biomedical significance.

Keywords: Bacterial virulence; Drug resistance; Drug targets; NAD(+)/NADH; Pathogenesis; Vaccine.