The influence of the trace element zinc on the immune system

Abstract

Clinical and experimental examinations showed a close relationship between zinc as an essential trace element and the immune system. Thus, cellular and humoral components from both the innate and the adaptive immune system are affected by zinc. Human zinc deficiencies are frequently connected with disturbed immune functions. Controlled zinc substitution results in a normalization of zinc serum levels, zinc homeostasis, and the immunological parameters. As shown in in vitro experiments, low zinc concentrations stimulate functional parameters of immune cells, but high zinc concentrations are suppressive or cytotoxic for these cells. Recently, the immunosuppressive effect of zinc was demonstrated in animal models of T-cell-dependent autoimmune diseases, like experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Moreover, decreased serum/plasma zinc concentrations have been detected in patients with different autoimmune diseases. Prospective studies should verify the possibility of controlled immunosuppressive zinc therapies for these diseases.

Understanding How Minerals Contribute to Optimal Immune Function

“…Zinc (Zn), an indispensable trace element, has been extensively studied in the field of nutrition and health due to its crucial role in numerous physiological functions in the human body, as shown in Table 2 . Its essentiality and diverse range of functions make zinc a topic of great interest and importance in the field of nutrition and human health research [ 30 ].…”

“…The early endosome antigen 1 (EEA1) and other Zn proteins involved in phagocytosis are likely how Zn affects this process. In order to facilitate membrane tethering and fusion, which are essential for phagosome and endosome maturation, EEA1 binds directly to General physiological functions of zinc [30][31][32][33][34][35][36] Is involved in the functioning of over 300 enzymes, either as a coenzyme or a regulator, playing fundamental roles in various biochemical processes Participates in important functions such as DNA synthesis, protein synthesis, cell division, and gene expression Is involved in antioxidant defense mechanisms, immune system regulation, wound healing, and growth and development Participates in the production of both DNA and RNA, as well as proteins, and is a part of transcription factors Functions as an antioxidant and affects the structure of multiprotein complexes, including the T-cell receptor, as well as the stability of biological membranes Controls how hormones and their receptors are made Plays a key role in preserving immunological homeostasis, having an impact on the ability of cells in the innate and adaptive immune systems to function Regulates the synthesis of cytokines, complement system activity, and antibody formation the phospholipid phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate (PI3K) at its C-terminal and binds to Rab5 via its N-terminal zinc finger domain [52,53]. Zn is equally crucial for the neutralization of pathogens since both Zn excess and deficiency inhibit NAPDH, which controls the formation of superoxide anion that causes pathogen death following phagocytosis [54].…”

The Role of Minerals in the Optimal Functioning of the Immune System

“…The essential trace element Zn is crucial for many physiological processes in humans, and it is one of the most frequently studied factors in nutrition and health. It plays elementary roles as a regulator or coenzyme of more than 300 enzymes [ 29 ]. It is also a component of transcription factors and is involved in the synthesis of DNA and RNA, as well as proteins.…”

The Future of Functional Clothing for an Improved Skin and Textile Microbiome Relationship

“…Zinc is a trace element that is vital for the immune system, sensory functions and metabolism as well as skin regeneration and protection [66,67]. Moreover, zinc ions, zinc oxides or zinc salts, such as zinc acetate, zinc chloride or zinc sulfate, are also used as antimicrobial finishes [60].…”