The Battle for Iron between Humans and Microbes

Title:The Battle for Iron between Humans and Microbes

Volume: 25 Issue: 1

Author(s): Peggy L. Carver*

Affiliation:

• Department of Clinical Pharmacy, University of Michigan, College of Pharmacy, Ann Arbor, MI 48109- 1065,United States

Keywords: Infection, iron, nutritional immunity, siderophore, iron overload, iron chelation.

Abstract: Background: Iron is an essential micronutrient for bacteria, fungi, and humans; as such, each has evolved specialized iron uptake systems to acquire iron from the extracellular environment.

Objective: To describe complex ‘tug of war’ for iron that has evolved between human hosts and pathogenic microorganisms in the battle for this vital nutrient.

Methods: A review of current literature was performed, to assess current approaches and controversies in iron therapy and chelation in humans.

Results: In humans, sequestration (hiding) of iron from invading pathogens is often successful; however, many pathogens have evolved mechanisms to circumvent this approach.

Conclusion: Clinically, controversy continues whether iron overload or administration of iron results in an increased risk of infection. The administration of iron chelating agents and siderophore- conjugate drugs to infected hosts seems a biologically plausible approach as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of infections caused by pathogens dependent on host iron supply (e.g. tuberculosis, malaria, and many bacterial and fungal pathogens); however, thus far, studies in humans have proved unsuccessful.

Cite this article as:

Carver L. Peggy *, The Battle for Iron between Humans and Microbes, Current Medicinal Chemistry 2018; 25 (1) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/0929867324666170720110049