Zinc is essential for the proper functioning of the immune system. But, information about zinc homeostasis, zinc deficiency, and associated diseases is relatively new. In 1963, Dr. Prasad had proved for the first time the presence of zinc deficiency in man.

Zinc is involved in several metabolic and chronic diseases for example type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, neurodegenerative diseases, cancer and depression. Furthermore, there is strong evidence of an association between zinc deficiency and various infectious diseases such as tuberculosis, measles, pneumonia, shigellosis, acute cutaneous leishmaniosis, malaria and human immunodeficiency virus. Zinc deficiency is very common and is identified as a major contributor to the burden of disease in developing countries. It is the 5^th leading life-threatening factor in developing countries.

Zinc homeostasis is vital for adequate functioning of the immune system. Besides, zinc deficiency and even zinc excess can lead to severe disturbances in immune cell activities and result in increased susceptibility to infections and advancement of specific inflammatory diseases.

Marginal-to-moderate zinc deficiency can cause impairment in immunity, delaying of wound healing, can also cause inflammation-independent low-grade production of inflammatory cytokines and can also increase oxidative stress. Almost all immune cells are directly affected by zinc signals. The most noticeable pathologic changes are seen in zinc deficiency that signifies zinc is a main regulator of cellular function and signal transduction.

Source: Maywald M, Wessels I, Rink L. Zinc Signals and Immunity. Int J Mol Sci. 2017;18(10):2222. Published 2017 Oct 24. doi:10.3390/ijms18102222