Host cell invasion in mucormycosis: role of iron

Clinical hallmarks of mucormycosis infections include the unique susceptibility of patients with increased available serum iron, the propensity of the organism to invade blood vessels, and defective phagocytic function. These hallmarks underscore the crucial roles of iron metabolism, phagocyte function, and interactions with endothelial cells lining blood vessels, in the organism's virulence strategy. In an attempt to understand how Mucorales invade the host, we will review the current knowledge about interactions between Mucorales and the host while evading phagocyte-mediated killing. Additionally, since iron is an important determinant of the disease, we will focus on the role of iron on these interactions. Ultimately, a superior understanding of the pathogenesis of mucormycosis will enable development of novel therapies for this disease.