Zinc as an essential element for normal immune reactions and as a therapeutic agent for autoimmune diseases

Abstract

Zinc is an essential element that is involved in more than 300 enzymes metabolism. Also, zinc is engaged in the function of many immunological processes as zinc deficiency leads to a reduction in T-cells, altered T-cell differentiation, and suppression of their functions. zinc deficiency causes impairment of the immune system, increased susceptibility to infections, and an escalation to chronic inflammation if untreated. In addition, there are many studies that had been carried out and showed that zinc is an important therapeutic agent in the treatment of many cuteness and systemic disease either in a form of topical zinc cream or through oral zinc sulfates like in the therapy of alopecia areata, vitiligo, psoriasis, and systemic sclerosis. So the aim of this review is to illustrate and highlight the role of zinc in health and disease.