Ferritin: An Inflammatory Player Keeping Iron at the Core of Pathogen-Host Interactions

• Type: Another Publication in an International Scientific Journal
• Date: 2020

Authors

Moreira, AC (Author) Other; Mesquita, G (Author) Other; Gomes, MS (Author) ICBAS

Journal

Title: Microorganisms

Vol. 8

Publisher: MDPI

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 0 Citations

Scopus - 6 Citations

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-00S-1RV

DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms8040589

Abstract (EN): Iron is an essential element for virtually all cell types due to its role in energy metabolism, nucleic acid synthesis and cell proliferation. Nevertheless, if free, iron induces cellular and organ damage through the formation of free radicals. Thus, iron levels must be firmly controlled. During infection, both host and microbe need to access iron and avoid its toxicity. Alterations in serum and cellular iron have been reported as important markers of pathology. In this regard, ferritin, first discovered as an iron storage protein, has emerged as a biomarker not only in iron-related disorders but also in inflammatory diseases, or diseases in which inflammation has a central role such as cancer, neurodegeneration or infection. The basic research on ferritin identification and functions, as well as its role in diseases with an inflammatory component and its potential as a target in host-directed therapies, are the main considerations of this review.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 20