Zinc homeostasis and immunity

Trends Immunol. 2007 Jan;28(1):1-4. doi: 10.1016/j.it.2006.11.005. Epub 2006 Nov 28.

Abstract

Zinc is an essential trace element for the immune system, and zinc deficiency compromises the function of primarily T cells but also of several other immune cells. Recently, zinc homeostasis has been demonstrated to affect dendritic cells, in particular the involvement of zinc transport proteins during lipopolysaccharide-induced upregulation of major histocompatibility complex proteins and co-stimulatory molecules. This adds to our understanding of the immunomodulatory potential of zinc and highlights its significance for immune function.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Homeostasis / immunology*
  • Humans
  • Immunity / physiology
  • Lipopolysaccharides / pharmacology
  • Metallothionein / metabolism
  • Models, Immunological
  • Toll-Like Receptors / drug effects
  • Toll-Like Receptors / metabolism
  • Zinc / immunology*
  • Zinc / metabolism

Substances

  • Lipopolysaccharides
  • Toll-Like Receptors
  • Metallothionein
  • Zinc