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Effect of Iron on Viral Infections
Yasmin Ferreira Souza Hoffmann Jempierre1, Catielen Paula Pavi1, Iara Zanella Guterres1
1Laboratory of Applied Virology, Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Parasitology, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
Food and Environmental Virology
|April 10, 2025
Summary
This review explores how iron impacts viral infections. Limiting iron availability with iron chelators may be a promising strategy to reduce viral replication and infectivity.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Virology
- Immunology
Background:
- Iron is essential for biological processes but elevated levels increase oxidative stress and influence immune responses.
- Host iron bioavailability significantly impacts virus-host interactions, affecting viral replication, mutation, and pathogenesis.
- Hepcidin regulates iron absorption, controlling blood iron levels by inhibiting ferroportin.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the complex relationship between iron homeostasis and viral infections.
- To analyze how iron availability influences viral replication, mutation rates, and disease progression.
- To explore the potential of iron chelation as a therapeutic strategy against viral infections.
Main Methods:
- Literature review synthesizing existing research on iron metabolism and viral pathogenesis.
- Analysis of studies investigating the role of host iron in viral replication and virulence.
- Examination of the effects of iron dysregulation on immune responses to viral infections.
Main Results:
- Iron availability can promote viral growth, replication, and potentially increase virulence.
- Studies suggest iron influences viral mutation rates and overall pathogenesis.
- Iron chelators show promise in limiting viral infectivity by reducing iron availability.
Conclusions:
- Iron homeostasis is a critical factor in managing viral infections.
- Targeting iron metabolism, particularly through chelation, presents a viable therapeutic avenue.
- Further research into iron-host-virus interactions is warranted to develop effective antiviral strategies.
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