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Zinc Update: Role of Zinc and Zinc Homeostasis in Macrophage Function

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eMediNexus    05 October 2020

An article published in the Journal of Immunology Research discussed that zinc has long been known as an essential trace element, with a role in the growth and development of all living organisms. Over the years, zinc homeostasis has also been shown to be vital for the innate immune system, especially for maintaining the function of macrophages.

The authors stated that it is now generally accepted that a dysregulation in zinc homeostasis in macrophages can lead to impaired phagocytosis and an abnormal inflammatory response. However, many questions remain pertaining to the mechanisms that underlie these processes, particularly at the cellular and molecular levels.

This article reviewed the current understanding of the roles of zinc and zinc transporters in regulating macrophage function. The findings revealed that regular intake of zinc and the coordinated function of zinc transporters are key requisites to maintain zinc homeostasis and health. With respect to innate immunity, the various functions of macrophages, including phagocytosis and the secretion of immune-mediating factors, can be impaired due to zinc imbalance, thus inducing or worsening inflammatory and/or disease processes.

However, the molecular mechanisms by which zinc regulates the fate and function of macrophages are not clearly known, and so is the function of zinc transporters. Especially, when accompanied by a defect in a zinc transporter, oral zinc supplementation or restriction may not suffice for preventing diseases caused by cellular zinc imbalance. Molecular approaches are therefore required to develop novel therapeutic approaches to correct the underlying defect.

This article concluded that genetic manipulation of zinc transporters can be performed in various model systems, and research based on these models will possibly provide information on the molecular function of these zinc transporters, as well as the mechanism of zinc in macrophages, thereby guiding the treatment and prevention of zinc-related diseases.

Source: Journal of Immunology Research. 2018; 6872621. Published online 2018 Dec 6. doi: 10.1155/2018/6872621

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