The importance of iron in the pathogenesis of infection and neoplasia

Iron is essential for all living organisms, with the exception of some Lactobacilli species, because of its key role in electron transport, DNA synthesis and various essential redox reactions 1,2. Consequently, iron deprivation in bacteria results in cessation of growth and eventual death of the population. This essential requirement of living cells for iron has important implications in the pathogenesis of infection and neoplasia. Thus, when microorganisms invade the vertebrate host, or when neoplastic cells disseminate, iron availability affects the successful establishment of the disease.