Zinc signals in inflammation

Abstract

Zinc is an essential micronutrient for cell growth, differentiation, and survival and when deficient, is associated with increased susceptibility to infections and inflammatory disorders. Zinc homeostasis is critical for proper immune cell function and is therefore tightly regulated by zinc transporters. Recent evidence has highlighted zinc as an intracellular signaling molecule capable of modulating immune cell signaling. Slight changes in intracellular zinc, either by zinc deficiency or by excess zinc, can alter cellular signaling and immune cell function often resulting in increased inflammation. In this chapter, we discuss zinc signals in inflammation with a focus on zinc dependent modulation of select signaling pathways and the effects on immune cell function in response to potentially damaging challenges.