An international team of researchers has recently discovered that iron plays a crucial role not only in the immune response that protects us from tumours, but also in the deviated processes that help cancer to proliferate. In fact, iron is involved in several metabolic reactions, including those occurring within mitochondria, the powerhouses of the cells.
Iron is a vital element for all body cells, also for the so-called T regulatory cells (Tregs), the cells of the immune system that are involved in tumour proliferation and depend on the quantity of available iron. The interaction between metabolism and immunity and proliferation of Tregs has an impact on circulating iron levels, which in turn may change the composition of the intestinal microbiota that depends on iron, favouring the possible growth of harmful bacteria.
The results of the study, coordinated by the researchers of the Sapienza University of Rome and supported by AIRC Foundation, have been recently published in the JCI insight journal. The research team, led by Silvia Piconese of the Department of Translational and Precision Medicine of Sapienza University, made this discovery by studying an experimental system in the laboratory, showing that when the Tregs cannot take up iron, iron accumulates in the bloodstream. The bacteria living in the gut are very hungry for iron and if there is too much iron, this can encourage the growth of harmful bacteria.
“Our work revealed that Tregs are dependent on iron availability.This implies that it might be possible to influence the functions of these cells by modifying iron levels, for example with diet or specific drugs,” says Ilenia Pacella, first author of the article.
