Targeting NAD Metabolism: Dual Roles in Cancer Treatment

Overview

Journal Front Immunol

Specialty Allergy & Immunology

Date 2023 Dec 20

PMID 38116009

Authors

Jiaxin Yong

Songqing Cai

Zhaolei Zeng

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD) is indispensable for various oxidation-reduction reactions in mammalian cells, particularly during energy production. Malignant cells increase the expression levels of NAD biosynthesis enzymes for rapid proliferation and biomass production. Furthermore, mounting proof has indicated that NAD-degrading enzymes (NADases) play a role in creating the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). Interestingly, both inhibiting NAD synthesis and targeting NADase have positive implications for cancer treatment. Here we summarize the detrimental outcomes of increased NAD production, the functions of NAD metabolic enzymes in creating an immunosuppressive TME, and discuss the progress and clinical translational potential of inhibitors for NAD synthesis and therapies targeting NADase.

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