Review
Zinc homeostasis and immunosenescence

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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.

Section snippets

Zinc status and immune function

In 1934 the essentiality of zinc for animals has been recognized [1], but it was not until the early 1960s that zinc was known as an essential trace element for human beings [2]. Zinc is highly important for all proliferating cells in the human body, especially for the whole immune system. Zinc is considered to be relatively non-toxic to humans and the human body contains a total amount of 2–4 g zinc [3]. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) in the United States for zinc is 11 mg/day for men and

Altered immune function during aging

Aging is associated with changes in the immune response (see Fig. 1). This is also due to declined serum or plasma zinc levels. Aging is related to a decreased capacity to mount an adequate response referred to as immunosenescence, resulting in increased susceptibility to infectious diseases, autoimmunity, and cancer [13]. These changes mainly affect the adaptive immunity especially the T cell-mediated cellular immune response [14]. It has been demonstrated that even with healthy aging

Conflict of interest

None.

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