The dual implications of iron homeostasis as a bacterial threat: its roles in virulence and antimicrobial resistance.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global health concern that requires innovative therapeutic strategies to improve clinical outcomes. Bacterial priority pathogens have developed multiple mechanisms for AMR. To develop therapeutics to overcome AMR, it is essential to explore, understand, and identify effective molecular targets. Iron is crucial for survival and pathogenesis in bacterial physiology. Reports indicate that iron supports vital cellular functions and modulates bacterial virulence and pathogenicity. Due to the bacterial requirement for iron during infection, antimicrobials are being developed by targeting iron homeostasis pathways in pathogens. In this review, we explore the virulence, AMR, and iron homeostatic mechanisms in bacterial pathogens, as well as the functional role of iron in regulating virulence, antimicrobial resistance, and other aspects of bacterial physiology, to elucidate potential therapeutic strategies against drug-resistant pathogens. This review briefly discusses therapeutic interventions based on iron homeostasis mechanisms and the associated translational challenges.