When ferroptosis meets pathogenic infections

Apoptosis, necrosis, or autophagy are diverse types of regulated cell death (RCD), recognized as the strategies that host cells use to defend against patho-gens such as viruses, bacteria, or fungi. Pathogens can induce or block different types of host cell RCD, promoting propagation or evading host immune surveil-lance. Ferroptosis is a newly identified RCD. Evidence has demonstrated how pathogens regulate ferroptosis to promote their replication, dissemination, and pathogenesis. However, the interaction between ferroptosis and pathogenic infections still needs to be completely elucidated. This review summarizes the advances in the interaction between pathogenic infections and host ferroptotic processes, focusing on the underlying mechanisms of how pathogens exploit ferroptosis, and discussing possible therapeutic measures against pathogen-associated diseases in a ferroptosis-dependent manner.

Automated summary

Apoptosis, necrosis, and autophagy are different strategies used by host cells to defend against pathogens such as viruses, bacteria, or fungi. Ferroptosis is a newly discovered regulated cell death that pathogens can manipulate to promote their replication and pathogenesis. However, the interaction between ferroptosis and pathogenic infections is still not fully understood. This review summarizes the advances in understanding how pathogens exploit and regulate ferroptosis and discusses potential therapeutic approaches against pathogen-associated diseases.