Iron and immunity: immunological consequences of iron deficiency and overload.
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.
Cherayil
Bobby J
BJ
Department of Pediatrics, Mucosal Immunology Laboratory, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Building 114, 16th Street, Charlestown, Boston, MA 02129, USA. cherayil@helix.mgh.harvard.edu
D056704:Adaptive Immunity; D000818:Animals; D006706:Homeostasis; D006801:Humans; D007113:Immunity, Innate; D007249:Inflammation / Q000276:immunology; D018836:Inflammation Mediators / Q000378:metabolism; D007501:Iron / Q000276:immunology*; D000090463:Iron Deficiencies; D019190:Iron Overload / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D015398:Signal Transduction
D018836:Inflammation Mediators; D007501:Iron