Abstract
The influence of iron on immune function has been long appreciated. However, the molecular basis for this interaction is less well understood. Recently, there have been several important advances that have shed light on the mechanisms that regulate mammalian iron metabolism. The new insights provide a conceptual framework for understanding and manipulating the cross-talk between iron homeostasis and the immune system. This article will review what is currently known about how disturbances of iron metabolism can affect immunity and how activation of the immune system can lead to alterations in iron balance.
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Abbreviations
- BMP:
-
Bone morphogenetic protein
- FPN:
-
Ferroportin
- HIF:
-
Hypoxia-inducible factor
- HJV:
-
Hemojuvelin
- IFN:
-
Interferon
- IL:
-
Interleukin
- iNOS:
-
Inducible nitric oxide synthase
- IRE:
-
Iron response element
- IRP:
-
IRE-binding protein
- Jak2:
-
Janus kinase 2
- LPS:
-
Lipopolysaccharide
- Nramp:
-
Natural resistance-associated macrophage protein
- RBC:
-
Red blood cell
- TfR:
-
Transferrin receptor
- TLR:
-
Toll-like receptor
- TNF:
-
Tumor necrosis factor
- STAT3:
-
Signal transducer and activator of transcription 3
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Acknowledgments
Work in the author’s laboratory is supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health (R56 AI089700), the Broad Medical Research Program (IBD-0253) and the Crohn’s and Colitis Foundation of America.
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Cherayil, B.J. Iron and Immunity: Immunological Consequences of Iron Deficiency and Overload. Arch. Immunol. Ther. Exp. 58, 407–415 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00005-010-0095-9
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00005-010-0095-9