ferrichrome

Ferrichrome is a cyclic hexapeptide siderophore derived from probiotics (such as *Lactobacillus casei*) that exhibits potent anti-tumor activity. In the context of pancreatic cancer, it functions as an immunomodulator by targeting the iron metabolism of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Specifically, it induces a phenotypic switch from M2 (pro-tumor) to M1 (anti-tumor) macrophages by upregulating the iron-sequestration protein ferritin and downregulating the iron-export protein ferroportin. This sequestration of iron within macrophages limits its availability to tumor cells and promotes a pro-inflammatory environment characterized by increased CD8+ T-cell infiltration and reduced metastatic potential.