Effect of the combinatorial iron-chelation and oxidative stress on the growth of Aspergillus species
Tamás Emri1, Veronika M Sümegi-Győri1, Krisztián Páll1
1Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Microbiology, University of Debrecen, Egyetem Tér 1, 4032 Debrecen, Hungary.
Abstract:
The growth of 14 Aspergillus strains belonging to nine species was studied under combinatorial deferriprone - H2O2 (iron-chelation - oxidative) stress. When deferriprone pretreated mycelia were subjected to even a weak oxidative stress, the growth inhibitory effect of iron-chelation stress was enhanced in 10 out of 14 strains. In contrast, oxidative stress pretreatment of conidia increased their deferriprone tolerance in 10 strains. Applying iron-chelators as antifungal agent or adjuvant can enhance the efficiency of the combinatorial iron withdrawal - oxidative stress strategy of our immune system and may reduce the survival of conidia escaped from the oxidative attack of pulmonary macrophages.
Insights
Combining iron chelation with oxidative stress significantly impacts Aspergillus fungal growth. Pretreatment strategies determine whether fungal growth is inhibited or tolerance increases, suggesting potential antifungal applications.
Area of Science:
- Mycology
- Antifungal Research
- Microbial Stress Response
Background:
- Aspergillus species are opportunistic fungal pathogens.
- Iron availability is crucial for fungal growth and virulence.
- The immune system employs iron withdrawal and oxidative stress to combat fungal infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the combined effects of deferriprone (iron-chelation) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) oxidative stress on Aspergillus growth.
- To evaluate how pretreatment with either stressor influences the response to the other.
- To explore the potential of iron chelators as antifungal agents.
Main Methods:
- Cultured 14 Aspergillus strains from nine species.
- Applied combinatorial stress of deferriprone and H₂O₂.
- Investigated effects of pretreated mycelia and conidia.
Main Results:
- Combined stress enhanced growth inhibition in 10 of 14 strains when mycelia were pretreated with deferriprone.
- Oxidative stress pretreatment increased deferriprone tolerance in conidia of 10 strains.
- Differential responses observed based on pretreatment and fungal form (mycelia vs. conidia).
Conclusions:
- The combination of iron-chelation and oxidative stress presents a potent antifungal strategy.
- Pretreatment conditions critically influence the outcome of combined stress, affecting growth inhibition or tolerance.
- Iron chelators could be valuable as antifungal agents or adjuvants to enhance immune defenses against Aspergillus infections, particularly in pulmonary macrophages.
