Iron metabolism in trypanosomatids, and its crucial role in infection

Iron is almost ubiquitous in living organisms clue to the utility of Its redox chemistry It also dangerous as it can catalyse the formation of reactive free radicals a classical double-edged sword In this review, we examine the uptake and usage of iron by trypanosomatids and discuss hi)W modulation of host iron metabolism plays an important role in the protective response Trypanosomatids require non for crucial processes including DNA replication, antioxidant defence, mitochondrial respiration, synthesis of the modified base J and, in African trypanosomes, the alternative oxidase The source of iron varies between species Bloodstream-form African trypanosomes acquire Iron from their host by uptake of transferrin, and Leishmama amazonensis expresses a ZIP family cation transporter in the plasma membrane In other trypanosomatids, iron uptake has been poorly characterized Iron-withholding responses by the host can be a major determinant of disease outcome Their role in trypanosomatid infections is becoming apparent For example, the cytosolic sequestration properties of NRAMPI, confer resistance against leishmaniasis Conversely, cytoplasmic sequestration of iron may be favourable rather than detrimental to Trypanosoma crux., The central role of Iron in both parasite metabolism and the host response is attracting interest as a possible point of therapeutic intervention