Treponema, Iron and Neurodegeneration

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Microbiology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Neurological diseases like neurodegeneration (ND) and neurosyphilis are suspected to involve spirochetes.
• Impaired iron homeostasis is linked to enzyme dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammation, and beta-amyloid production in ND.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the potential link between Treponema spp. infection and the development or exacerbation of neurological diseases.
• To explore the role of iron dyshomeostasis in this association.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on Treponema spp., iron metabolism, and neurological diseases.
• Analysis of mechanisms by which Treponema interacts with host iron-binding proteins.

Main Results:

• Treponema spp. possess proteins (HbpA, HbpB) that bind and reduce iron, directly impacting iron metabolism.
• These spirochetes interact with host plasma proteins like fibronectin, transferrin, and lactoferrin, aiding adherence and virulence.
• Treponema can sequester iron from host macromolecules during infection.

Conclusions:

• Treponema spp. may contribute to neurological disease pathogenesis through iron dysregulation.
• The sequestration of iron by Treponema could exacerbate conditions like neurodegeneration and neurosyphilis.