Introduction: Metals in Biology: METALS AT THE HOST-PATHOGEN INTERFACE.

This seventh Metals in Biology Thematic Series deals with the metal-based interactions of mammalian hosts with pathogens. Both pathogens and hosts have complex regulatory systems for metal homeostasis. Understanding these provides strategies for fighting pathogens, either by excluding essential metals from the microbes, by delivery of excess metals to cause toxicity, or by complexing metals in microorganisms. Intervention is possible by delivery of complexing reagents or by targeting the microbial regulatory apparatus.