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Published on: March 16, 2018
Iron acquisition in Leishmania and its crucial role in infection
Qinwang Niu1, Shihong Li2, Dali Chen1
1Department of Parasitology,West China School of Preclinical and Forensic Medicine,Sichuan University,Chengdu,Sichuan 610041,China.
Abstract:
Iron is an essential cofactor for many basic metabolic pathways in pathogenic microbes and their hosts. It is also dangerous as it can catalyse the production of reactive free radicals. This dual character makes the host can either limit iron availability to invading microbes or exploit iron to induce toxicity to pathogens. Successful pathogens, including Leishmania species, must possess mechanisms to circumvent host's iron limitation and iron-induced toxicity in order to survive. In this review, we discuss the regulation of iron metabolism in the setting of infection and delineate the iron acquisition strategies used by Leishmania parasites and their subversions to host iron metabolism to overcome host's iron-related defences.
Insights
Pathogenic microbes need iron but face host defenses. This review explores how Leishmania parasites acquire iron and overcome host iron-related immune strategies for survival during infection.
Area of Science:
- Microbiology
- Immunology
- Parasitology
Background:
- Iron is vital for microbial metabolism but can cause host toxicity via free radicals.
- Host immunity involves controlling iron availability or inducing iron toxicity in pathogens.
- Pathogens like Leishmania must evade these host iron-related defenses to survive infection.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review iron metabolism regulation during infection.
- To detail iron acquisition strategies employed by Leishmania parasites.
- To explain how Leishmania subverts host iron metabolism.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing research on Leishmania iron metabolism.
- Analysis of parasite strategies for iron acquisition.
- Examination of host-pathogen interactions concerning iron.
Main Results:
- Leishmania utilizes specific mechanisms to acquire iron from the host.
- Parasites have evolved ways to counteract host iron limitation and toxicity.
- Understanding these strategies is key to parasite survival.
Conclusions:
- Leishmania's survival depends on sophisticated iron metabolism regulation.
- Subversion of host iron defenses is crucial for Leishmania pathogenesis.
- Targeting these mechanisms could offer new therapeutic avenues.
