Ferroptosis as an emerging target in inflammatory diseases

Cell survival or death is one critical issue in inflammatory responses. Ferroptosis, which is characterized by iron-dependent lethal lipid peroxidation, has been found to participate in the development of cancers, degenerative brain diseases and ischemia-reperfusion injuries. Incorporation of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) into cellular membranes represents a vulnerability to invasion of microbials and sterile stimuli. In addition, the competition for iron in the battle between microbials and host cells underlies infection development. Although host cells have been equipped with complex antioxidant systems to combat lethal accumulation of lipid peroxidation, emerging evidence suggests several pathogens may target PUFAs in the cell membrane, and manipulate ferroptosis as a way for pathogen propagation. Moreover, ferroptosis takes part in the progression of sterile inflammations, such as cigarette smoke-induced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, stroke and ischemia-reperfusion injuries. As iron-dependent oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation are common features for ferroptosis and inflammatory diseases, underlying mechanisms linking such pathological conditions will be discussed in this review. Progress in the research of ferroptosis may shed more light on the etiology and treatment of inflammatory diseases.