title: Zinc homeostasis and immunosenescence.
abstract: For more than 50 years, zinc is known to be an essential trace element, having a regulatory role in the immune system. Deficiency in zinc thus compromises proper immune function, like it is observed in the elderly population. Here mild zinc deficiency is a common condition, documented by a decline of serum or plasma zinc levels with age. This leads to a dysregulation mainly in the adaptive immunity that can result in an increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, known as a status called inflamm-aging. T cell activation as well as polarization of T helper (Th) cells into their different subpopulations (Th1, Th2, Th17, regulatory T cells (Treg)) is highly influenced by zinc homeostasis. In the elderly a shift of the Th cell balance towards Th2 response is observed, a non-specific pre-activation of T cells is displayed, as well as a decreased response to vaccination is seen. Moreover, an impaired function of innate immune cells indicate a predominance of zinc deficiency in the elderly that may contribute to immunosenescence. This review summarizes current findings about zinc deficiency and supplementation in elderly individuals.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Immunology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelstr. 30, D-52074 Aachen, Germany.
authors.forename: Martina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Maywald
authors.affiliation: Institute of Immunology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelstr. 30, D-52074 Aachen, Germany. Electronic address: lrink@ukaachen.de.
authors.forename: Lothar
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Rink
mesh_terms: D000375:Aging / Q000276:immunology*; D019587:Dietary Supplements; D006706:Homeostasis / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007109:Immunity; D008954:Models, Biological; D015032:Zinc / Q000172:deficiency / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D015032:Zinc
keywords: Immunobiology; Immunosenescence; Zinc