The research progress of ferroptosis in acute lung injury

Ferroptosis, an iron-dependent form of regulated cell death driven by lipid peroxidation, is increasingly recognized as a pivotal mechanism in the pathogenesis of acute lung injury (ALI) and its severe form, acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Its core molecular machinery, including glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4), and the cystine/glutamate antiporter system Xc-, becomes dysregulated across various ALI subtypes, such as sepsis, ischemia-reperfusion, and COVID-19.This review delineates how ferroptosis contributes to ALI through iron overload, uncontrolled lipid peroxidation, and failure of antioxidant defenses, ultimately leading to pulmonary endothelial and epithelial cell death. We further summarize subtype-specific mechanisms and evaluate emerging therapeutic strategies, including ferroptosis inhibitors (e.g., liproxstatin-1), Nrf2 activators, and iron chelators, highlighting their potential for targeted intervention in ALI/ARDS.