Tuberculosis is a pathogenic infection that has created trepidation around the globe due to its repercussion on the health of patients. The iron transport mechanism in mycobacterium plays a pivotal role in bacterial survival; whilst this can be considered an emerging drug target. Salicylate synthase is a member of the MST family and this enzyme is distrait in mammals. It is the first enzyme for the synthesis of mycobactin (siderophores) which is a determinant for iron transport. The present all-embracing review provides overall coverage of the biological and structural outlook of the enzyme salicylate synthase and its inhibitors reported in recent years. Furthermore, this review sheds limelight on the development of novel and more potent salicylate synthase inhibitors.
Keywords: Mycobacterium tuberculosis, Anti-tubercular drug targets, Siderophores, Mycobactin, Salicylate synthase (MbtI).