Copper in microbial pathogenesis: meddling with the metal

摘要

Transition metals such as iron, zinc, copper and manganese are essential for the growth and development of organisms ranging from bacteria to mammals. Numerous studies have focused on the impact of iron availability during bacterial and fungal infections, and increasing evidence suggests that copper is also involved in microbial pathogenesis. Not only is copper an essential co-factor for specific microbial enzymes, but several recent studies also strongly suggest that copper is used to restrict pathogen growth in vivo. Here, we review evidence that animals use copper as an anti-microbial weapon and, in turn, microbes have developed mechanisms to counteract the toxic effects of copper.