Nucleotide metabolism pathway: the achilles’ heel for bacterial pathogens

Pathogens exploit their host to extract nutrients for their survival. They occupy a diverse range of host niches during infection which offer variable nutrients accessibility. To cause a successful infection a pathogen must be able to acquire these nutrients from the host as well as be able to synthesize the nutrients on its own, if required. Nucleotides are the essential metabolite for a pathogen and also affect the pathophysiology of infection. This article focuses on the role of nucleotide metabolism of pathogens during infection in a host. Nucleotide metabolism and disease pathogenesis are closely related in various pathogens. Nucleotides, purines and pyrimidines, are biosynthesized by the de novo and salvage pathways. Whether the pathogen will employ the de novo or salvage pathway during infection is dependent on various factors, like availability of nucleotides, energy condition and presence of enzymes of the particular pathway. Understanding the nucleotide metabolism of a pathogen within its host will provide a key insight into the host– pathogen interaction and will also aid in the development of novel therapeutic strategies.