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. 2021 Dec 6;43(8):1905–1915. doi: 10.1038/s41401-021-00814-1

Fig. 2. Viruses, iron, and iron receptors.

Fig. 2

Iron transport proteins such as TfR1 and DMT1 serve as receptors of many viruses. TfR1 and DMT1 are upregulated by a viral infection, causing increased iron uptake. Iron-bound in ferritin is scavenged by viruses via viral-induced ferritin degradation or disruption. Viral activity causes hepcidin expression, which inhibits iron export and leads to excessive cellular iron. These eventually cause cell death via ferroptosis. TfR1 Transferrin receptor protein 1, DMT1 divalent metal transporter, FPT ferroportin, CYDRB1 Cytochrome B Reductase 1.