Pathogen-associated iron acquisition system (null)

Pathogen-associated iron acquisition systems are collections of membrane-bound receptors, transporters, secreted proteins, and enzymes that pathogens utilize to obtain iron from host sources such as hemoglobin, heme, transferrin, lactoferrin, and ferritin during infection[1][2][3][4]. Examples include the Isd system in Staphylococcus aureus, which mediates heme uptake; the TbpAB complex in Neisseria species, which transports transferrin-bound iron; and multiple siderophore-mediated transporters such as TonB-dependent transporters in Gram-negative bacteria. Disruption of these systems or host strategies to restrict iron availability significantly impairs the pathogen’s ability to proliferate and cause disease. These systems are considered important targets for novel antimicrobials and vaccines due to their essential role in pathogenesis and their general absence in mammalian cells[1][2][3][4].

Other names

Bacterial iron uptake systemsIron acquisition systemMicrobial iron transportersSiderophore systemsHeme-iron acquisition systemsTonB-dependent transportersIsd system (for Staphylococcus aureus)TbpAB (for Neisseria spp.)

Competitive inhibition of iron uptake; Receptor blockade; Trojan Horse antibiotic delivery via siderophore transporters