Natural resistance-associated macrophage protein 1 (SLC11A1)

Divalent transition metal (iron and manganese) transporter involved in iron metabolism and host resistance to specific pathogens. Macrophage-specific membrane transport function.

Controls natural resistance to infection with intracellular parasites. Pathogen resistance involves sequestration of Fe(2+) and Mn(2+), cofactors of both prokaryotic and eukaryotic catalases and superoxide dismutases, not only to safeguard the macrophage against its own generation of reactive oxygen species, but to deny the cations to the pathogen for synthesis of its own protective enzymes.