Roles of Iron in Host-Parasite Interactions

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Abstract
In recent years, a number of possible roles of iron in host-parasite interactions have been identified. These include (1) stimulation of growth of bacterial or fungal pathogens, (2) inhibition of bactericidal proteins of leukocyte lysosomes, (3) enhancement or suppression of bacterial secondary metabolism, and (4) detoxification of factors of virulence. To prevent microbial growth, the host uses powerful iron-binding proteins as well as a mechanism that transfers the metal from serum to reticuloendothelial cells. To capture iron from the host, microorganisms must synthesize their own iron-sequestering compounds. The level of iron that enables bacteria to produce factors of virulence differs from the concentrations that permit microbial growth, and the metal can neutralize the action of these factors. Iron-binding microbial metabolites that contaminate food or are synthesized by intestinal flora may protect the host from overgrowth by enteric pathogens, whereas natural or iatrogenic disturbances in iron metabolism may increase susceptibility of the host to systemic bacterial diseases.

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