A double-edged sword with a therapeutic target: iron and ferroptosis in immune regulation.

Cellular activities such as DNA synthesis, adenosine triphosphate production, and mitochondrial respiration are affected by iron metabolism. Disturbance of iron homeostasis usually leads to damage in cells and organs in the context of iron overload or deficiency. Thus, iron, a key regulator in nutritional immunity, was shown to be critical in innate and adaptive immunity.