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Fundamental cellular operations, including DNA synthesis and the generation of ATP, require iron. Viruses hijack cells in order to replicate, and efficient replication needs an iron-replete host. Some viruses selectively infect iron-acquiring cells by binding to transferrin receptor 1 during cell entry. Other viruses alter the expression of proteins involved in iron homeostasis, such as HFE and hepcidin. In HIV-1 and hepatitis C virus infections, iron overload is associated with poor prognosis and could be partly caused by the viruses themselves. Understanding how iron metabolism and viral infection interact might suggest new methods to control disease.

Original publication

DOI

10.1038/nrmicro1930

Type

Journal article

Journal

Nat Rev Microbiol

Publication Date

07/2008

Volume

6

Pages

541 - 552

Keywords

Animals, Antimicrobial Cationic Peptides, Hepcidins, Homeostasis, Humans, Iron, Iron Overload, Virus Diseases, Virus Replication