Emerging Role for Ferroptosis in Infectious Diseases

Ferroptosis is a distinct form regulated necrotic cell death mainly characterized by the accumulation of toxic lipid peroxides. The importance of this form of cell death has been recognized in several diseases. An imbalance between free radicals and antioxidant molecules has been reported to play role in several pathologies and is commonly associated with worse outcomes of these maladies. Emerging evidence suggests that ferroptosis and/or its regulators may modulate other forms of cell death leading to the induction of necro-inflammatory response and consequently organ failure. Herein, we review the major forms of necrotic cell death triggered by pathogens highlighting mechanisms in which oxidative stress and cellular antioxidants may limit or favor pathogen dissemination defining host cell fate. Specially, we discuss the role of ferroptosis and how its molecular components may modulate disease progression.