Ferroptosis: significance to zoonotic diseases and therapeutic prospects

Ferroptosis is a distinct modality of programmed cell death driven by iron-dependent lipid peroxidation, exerting a pivotal regulatory influence on the infection dynamics and immune responses associated with zoonoses. This article systematically elucidates the mechanistic interplay between significant zoonotic pathogens and the core regulatory networks of host ferroptosis, encompassing iron metabolism, the antioxidant defense systems typified by GPX4, and lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, it synthesizes current advancements and challenges regarding small molecules, natural products, and bioactive components of traditional Chinese medicine that target key ferroptotic checkpoints for anti-infective therapy. This review aims to establish a theoretical foundation for the development of novel, precision prevention and control strategies for zoonoses, grounded in ferroptosis modulation within the "One Health" perspective.