Patho-ecological implications of microbial acquisition of host iron

To survive and replicate in vertebrate hosts, microbial invaders must be capable of securing host iron. Mechanisms of acquisition of the metal are grouped in four categories: extraction of haem, binding of siderophilins, binding of siderophores and intracellular habitat. Within the past decade, much additional insight has emerged in regard to specific mechanisms within these broad themes. Moreover, the distinctive methods employed by individual pathogens are being recognized as important determinants of specific host susceptibility as well as of tissue and cell localization. As a corollary, methods of strengthening host iron-withholding defence are being established. These methods include research and development of agents that alter iron metabolism as well as of vaccines that contain microbial iron acquisition antigens.