This model provided a three-stage high throughput screening platform for identifying agents with the combined ability to: (i)
scavenge cell iron and thereby rescue macrophage cells damaged by iron-overload; (ii) bypass the ferroportin blockade by
conveying the scavenged iron to other iron-starved cells in co-culture via transferrin but (iii) without promoting utilization of
the scavenged iron by intracellular pathogens. As test agents we used chelators in clinical practice and found the oral chelator
deferiprone fulfilled essentially all of the three criteria.