Host NAD + metabolism and infections: Therapeutic implications

Abstract

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD +) is both a crucial coenzyme and a cosubstrate for various metabolic reactions in all living cells. Maintenance of NAD + levels is essential for cell energy homeostasis, survival, proliferation and function. Mounting evidence points to NAD + as one of the major modulators of immuno-metabolic circuits, thus regulating immune responses and functions. Recent studies delineate impaired host NAD + metabolism during chronic infections and inflammation, suggesting NAD + replenishment as an avenue to ameliorate deleterious inflammatory responses. Here, we discuss aspects of NAD + biosynthesis and consumption, NAD + biology during infections and how NAD + metabolism can be intervened with pharmacologically to enhance the host's immunological fitness against pathogens.