title: Effect of copper on immune function and disease resistance.
abstract: Recent evidence suggests that copper exacts an important role in the maintenance of immunocompetence. Copper deficiency results in decreased humoral and cell-mediated, as well as nonspecific immune function. Impairment of immune function may be highly correlated with an increased incidence of infection and higher mortality rates observed in copper-deficient animals. The actual mechanisms by which copper is involved in immune processes are not well defined. This review addresses the copper-immune function interaction and discusses possible immunomodulatory roles for copper.
authors.affiliation: National Animal Disease Center, USDA Agricultural Research Service, Ames, IA 50010.
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Stabel
authors.forename: J W
authors.initials: JW
authors.lastname: Spears
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000917:Antibody Formation; D003300:Copper / Q000172:deficiency*; D006801:Humans; D007109:Immunity; D007111:Immunity, Cellular; D007136:Immunoglobulins / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D007136:Immunoglobulins; D003300:Copper