Molecules

Known or proposed functions

Lung cell type

Transferrin and its receptor

Import and export iron between airways or blood

Epithelial, Macrophage

Lactoferrin and its receptor

Import iron from the airway

Epithelial, Macrophage, Neutrophil

DMT1

Import iron into the cell

Epithelial, Macrophage

Nramp1

Import iron into the macrophage

Macrophage

Duodenal cytochrome b

Convert Fe3+ to Fe2+ at the apical membrane of epithelial cells

Epithelial

Ferritin

Store iron inside the cell; transport iron out of the cell

Epithelial, Macrophage

Siderocalin

Binds iron in a complex with endogenous catechol or siderophores secreted by invading pathogens

Epiethelial, Neutrophil

Hepcidin

Hormone regulating systemic iron metabolism that may exert local control in the lung

Epithelial

Ferroportin

Efflux intracellular iron to the airway

Epithelial, Macrophage