title: Interleukin-2 production is altered by copper deficiency.
abstract: Copper is an essential nutrient for optimal function of the immune system; deficiency results in impairment of both humoral and cell-mediated components. Copper deficiency in rodents results in decreased numbers of CD4+ (helper) and total T cells. This defect has been traced to impaired production of interleukin-2, a cytokine essential for T-cell division and differentiation. Impairment of quiescent cell proliferation is reversed by both in vivo and in vitro copper supplementation.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biochemistry, University of Missouri, Columbia 65211.
authors.forename: B L
authors.initials: BL
authors.lastname: O'Dell
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D003300:Copper / Q000172:deficiency* / Q000494:pharmacology; D007109:Immunity / Q000187:drug effects; D007376:Interleukin-2 / Q000096:biosynthesis*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D051379:Mice; D051381:Rats; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects
chemical_list: D007376:Interleukin-2; D003300:Copper