Zinc homeostasis and immunity.
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.
Rink
Lothar
L
Institute of Immunology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, D-52074 Aachen, Germany. LRink@UKAachen.de
Haase
Hajo
H
D000818:Animals; D006706:Homeostasis / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007109:Immunity / Q000502:physiology; D008070:Lipopolysaccharides / Q000494:pharmacology; D008668:Metallothionein / Q000378:metabolism; D018448:Models, Immunological; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism; D015032:Zinc / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism
D008070:Lipopolysaccharides; D051193:Toll-Like Receptors; D008668:Metallothionein; D015032:Zinc