Stealing survival: Iron acquisition strategies of Mycobacteriumtuberculosis.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb), the causative agent of tuberculosis (TB), faces iron scarcity within the host due to immune defenses. This review explores the importance of iron for Mtb and its strategies to overcome iron restriction. We discuss how the host limits iron as an innate immune response and how Mtb utilizes various iron acquisition systems, particularly the siderophore-mediated pathway. The review illustrates the structure and biosynthesis of mycobactin, a key siderophore in Mtb , and the regulation of its production. We explore the potential of targeting siderophore biosynthesis and uptake as a novel therapeutic approach for TB. Finally, we summarize current knowledge on Mtb 's iron acquisition and highlight promising directions for future research to exploit this pathway for developing new TB interventions. • Iron vital for Mtb (TB bacteria) but limited by immune system. • This review explores how Mtb combats iron deficiency. • We discuss iron restriction by our body and Mtb 's acquisition strategies, including siderophores. • Siderophores (e.g., mycobactin) are high-affinity iron-grabbing molecules. We explore their structure, production, and regulation in Mtb. • Targeting this pathway holds promise for new TB treatments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]