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Microbes & Immunity

REVIEW ARTICLE
The role of copper and core gene network

controlling cuproptosis in infection immunity,
diagnosis, and treatment

Junqi Xu , Zhijian Wang , and Jianping Xie *
1
1
2
1 Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Key
Laboratory of Aquatic Science of Chongqing, Institute of Modern Biopharmaceuticals, School of
Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
2 Institute of Modern Biopharmaceuticals, State Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Eco-Environment
and Bio-Resource of the Three Gorges Area, Key Laboratory of Eco-Environments in Three
Gorges Reservoir Region, Ministry of Education, School of Life Sciences, Southwest University,
Chongqing, China

Abstract

Copper is an essential trace element in living organisms and is involved in a variety
of biochemical processes, including cellular respiration, iron metabolism, and nerve
function. In recent years, research has shown that copper is not only essential for
fundamental physiological functions but also plays an important role in immune
*Corresponding author: response and pathological states. In particular, copper death (cuproptosis), a recently
Jianping Xie discovered cell death pathway that is strongly associated with copper overload, is
(georgex@swu.edu.cn) emerging as an appealing area of immune research. Excess copper can induce cell
Citation: Xu J, Wang Z, Xie J. death as a result of copper ions directly binding to sulfide proteins in the tricarboxylic
The role of copper and core gene acid cycle. In-depth studies of copper metabolism and its related mechanisms will
network controlling cuproptosis in
infection immunity, diagnosis, and contribute to developing new diagnostic tools and therapeutic strategies and
treatment. Microbes & Immunity. providing new ideas and approaches for tackling infections and other related
2025;2(1):59-69. diseases. This review summarizes the newest understanding of copper death and
doi: 10.36922/mi.5657
the latest advancements in disease diagnosis and treatment, providing a valuable
Received: October 28, 2024 reference for the follow-up research on tuberculosis-related vaccines and copper in
1st revised: December 9, 2024 immunity.
2nd revised: January 3, 2025
Accepted: January 6, 2025 Keywords: Copper toxicity; Cuproptosis; Tricarboxylic acid cycle
Published Online: January 24,
2025
Copyright: © 2025 Author(s). 1. Introduction
This is an Open-Access article
distributed under the terms of the Bacterial infections can lead to serious health issues, including pneumonia, tuberculosis,
Creative Commons Attribution diarrhea, hepatitis, and meningitis. They can be transmitted through food, water, air,
1
License, permitting distribution,
and reproduction in any medium, or contact, and may result in severe diseases, death, or other serious consequences. At
provided the original work is present, antibiotics are the most effective means to inhibit bacterial growth, but the
properly cited. problem of antibiotic resistance is a significant concern. Apart from antibiotics, metallic
2
Publisher’s Note: AccScience elements possess antibacterial properties that can effectively inhibit bacterial growth
Publishing remains neutral with and reproduction, thereby preventing deleterious impacts attributed to infections in the
regard to jurisdictional claims in 3
published maps and institutional human body. Among these metallic elements, copper exhibits antioxidative properties
affiliations. that can deter bacterial toxins from causing harm to the human body. 4

Volume 2 Issue 1 (2025) 59 doi: 10.36922/mi.5657