Abstract
Iron is an absolute requirement for both the host and most pathogens alike and is needed for normal cellular growth. The acquisition of iron by biological systems is regulated to circumvent toxicity of iron overload, as well as the growth deficits imposed by iron deficiency. In addition, hosts, such as humans, need to limit the availability of iron to pathogens. However, opportunistic pathogens such as Candida albicans are able to adapt to extremes of iron availability, such as the iron replete environment of the gastrointestinal tract and iron deficiency during systemic infection. C. albicans has developed a complex and effective regulatory circuit for iron acquisition and storage to circumvent iron limitation within the human host. As C. albicans can form complex interactions with both commensal and pathogenic co-inhabitants, it can be speculated that iron may play an important role in these interactions. In this review, we highlight host iron regulation as well as regulation of iron homeostasis in C. albicans. In addition, the review argues for the need for further research into the role of iron in polymicrobial interactions. Lastly, the role of iron in treatment of C. albicans infection is discussed.
Highlights
The polymorphic yeast, Candida albicans, is one of the organisms which makes up the human microbiome
Iron homeostasis and bioavailability to either the host or invading pathogens is tightly regulated through coordination of hepcidin, iron binding proteins and several enzymes involved in iron metabolism (McKie et al, 2001; Nemeth et al, 2004)
Considering the importance of iron in C. albicans growth and virulence, it can be expected that iron may play a significant role in the interaction of C. albicans with both commensal and pathogenic microorganisms in different niches within the human body
Summary
The acquisition of iron by biological systems is regulated to circumvent toxicity of iron overload, as well as the growth deficits imposed by iron deficiency. Hosts, such as humans, need to limit the availability of iron to pathogens. Opportunistic pathogens such as Candida albicans are able to adapt to extremes of iron availability, such as the iron replete environment of the gastrointestinal tract and iron deficiency during systemic infection. C. albicans has developed a complex and effective regulatory circuit for iron acquisition and storage to circumvent iron limitation within the human host.
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