Ferroptosis in viral infections: Overview and regulation by nutritional interventions

Abstract Cell death is a defense strategy employed by host cells to combat viral invasion. Viruses can manipulate the host cell death process to facilitate their own dissemination or evade immune surveillance. Ferroptosis, characterized by excessive iron accumulation and lipid peroxidation, is one crucial form of such cell death. Although ferroptosis is primarily associated with tissue/organ damage and tumorigenesis, accumulating evidence suggests that ferroptosis is closely linked to viral infections and their pathogenic mechanisms. This article systematically reviews the metabolic processes associated with ferroptosis, mainly including amino acid metabolism, iron metabolism, lipid peroxidation, and mitochondrial metabolism. It also discusses in detail the interaction between viral infections and ferroptosis, highlighting how viruses exploit the mechanisms of ferroptosis for their own infection and replication. Additionally, the impact of nutritional regulation of ferroptosis on the progression of viral infections is explored. Therefore, understanding the interaction between cellular ferroptosis and viral infections not only provides valuable insights for developing effective antiviral therapeutic strategies but also offers references for the prevention and control of viral infections in animals.