Is zinc involved in immune response?
Posted April 8, 2022
Answer
Yes, zinc is involved in immune response. Zinc is crucial for the development and optimum functioning of immune cells and affects multiple aspects of the immune system, from gene regulation within lymphocytes to the development of acquired immunity. Zinc deficiency compromises B lymphocyte development and antibody production, particularly immunoglobulin G. Deficiency of zinc also increases susceptibility to several different pathogens and increases the likelihood of apoptosis.
Additional resources
Zinc and immune function: the biological basis of altered resistance to infection