Iron regulation and redox balance in infectious processes

Iron regulation and redox balance are crucial elements that significantly influence the interaction between a pathogen and its host. Iron is an essential micronutrient for both microorganisms and host cells. Many pathogens require iron for growth and replication, and in response to infection, the host often modulates iron availability as part of its defense strategy. During an infection, the host's immune response can generate reactive oxygen species to fight the pathogen. However, an imbalance in the redox system can lead to oxidative stress and cause cell damage. Understanding the interplay between iron regulation and redox balance in microbial pathogenesis could lead to the development of specific antimicrobial peptides with increased efficacy and reduced likelihood of resistance. These peptides could act selectively on pathogens by exploiting their iron requirements and their susceptibility to oxidative stress.