Heme and virulence: how bacterial pathogens regulate, transport and utilize heme

Abstract

Covering: 2000–2006

The ability of bacterial pathogens to obtain iron is essential for their survival, and the expression of such virulence factors is (in part) essential for establishing and maintaining infection. As such, pathogenic bacteria have evolved numerous sophisticated mechanisms whereby they utilize the host's heme containing proteins as a source of iron. In the following review we will summarize the current knowledge on the mechanisms by which heme is transported and utilized by bacterial pathogens.