[Exploring ferroptosis of immune cells: regulatory mechanisms, disease impacts, and emerging risks from environmental...

Ferroptosis, a unique form of cell death, is characterized by its dependency on iron levels and resulting effects such as antioxidant imbalance, lipid peroxidation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. In immune cells, such as T cells, B cells, and macrophages, ferroptosis can regulate cell function and phenotype. The complex mechanisms of ferroptosis in immune cells are influenced by various factors, including tissue injuries, diseases, tumors, and external stimuli. Given the crucial role of immune cells in immune responses, inflammation, metabolism, and cancer treatment, understanding the role of ferroptosis in immune cells is essential. This article highlights the basic characteristics of ferroptosis, its mechanisms in different immune cell types, and its implications in metabolic diseases, sepsis, autoimmune diseases, and exposure to environmental pollutants like heavy metals and air pollution particles. Further research on immune cell ferroptosis will shed light on disease pathologies and potential therapeutic strategies.