The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is home to a collection of microbial communities collectively known as the intestinal microbiota. In fact, nearly all other healthy body sites that are colonized with distinct microbial communities comprise a specific host-associated microbiota [1] [2]. At birth, the ...

Iron is an essential trace element for most organisms. A common way for bacteria to acquire this nutrient is through the secretion of siderophores, which are secondary metabolites that scavenge iron from environmental stocks and deliver it to cells via specific receptors. While there has been tremen...

Hepcidin is the master regulator of iron homeostasis in vertebrates. The synthesis of hepcidin is induced by systemic iron levels and by inflammatory stimuli. While the role of hepcidin in iron regulation is well established, its contribution to host defense is emerging as complex and multifaceted. ...