Brucella adaptation and survival at the crossroad of metabolism and virulence

“In vivo” bacterial nutrition, i.e. the nature of the metabolic network and substrate(s) used by bacteria within their host, is a fundamental aspect of pathogenic or symbiotic lifestyles. A typical example are the Brucella spp., facultative intracellular pathogens responsible for chronic infections of animals and humans. Their virulence relies on their ability to modulate immune response and the physiology of host cells, but the fine-tuning of their metabolism in the host during infection appears increasingly crucial. Here we review new insights on the links between Brucella virulence and metabolism, pointing out the need to investigate both aspects to decipher Brucella infectious strategies.

► The nature of the metabolic network is a fundamental aspect of pathogenic lifestyles.
► Brucella spp. are the intracellular pathogens responsible for chronic infections of mammals.
► Here we review new insights on the links between Brucella virulence and metabolism.
► Understanding of Brucella metabolic abilities will help to decipher its infectious strategies.