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Selenium and vitamin E status: impact on viral pathogenicity.

Melinda A Beck1

  • 1Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 27599-7461, USA. melinda_beck@unc.edu

The Journal of Nutrition
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Host nutrition impacts viral evolution. Deficiencies in selenium (Se) or vitamin E increase viral pathogenicity and can mutate viruses, potentially creating new virulent strains. Nutritional status is key to understanding viral emergence.

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Published on: August 31, 2017

Area of Science:

  • Nutritional immunology
  • Virology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Selenium (Se) and vitamin E are crucial antioxidants protecting against oxidative stress.
  • Nutritional deficiencies in Se or vitamin E are linked to compromised immune function.
  • These deficiencies have been associated with increased susceptibility to viral infections.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of host nutritional status, specifically selenium and vitamin E, in viral pathogenicity and mutation.
  • To explore the connection between nutrient deficiencies and the emergence of virulent viral strains.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on selenium, vitamin E, oxidative stress, and viral infections.
  • Analysis of studies demonstrating the impact of nutrient deficiencies on immune responses.
  • Examination of research showing viral mutations in the context of host nutritional status.

Main Results:

  • Deficiencies in either selenium or vitamin E lead to increased viral pathogenicity.
  • Lack of these nutrients alters immune responses, making the host more vulnerable.
  • Nutrient deficiencies can induce specific viral mutations, transforming benign viruses into virulent forms.

Conclusions:

  • Host nutritional status is a significant factor influencing viral evolution and pathogenicity.
  • Selenium and vitamin E are critical for maintaining host defense against viral threats.
  • Understanding host nutrition is essential for predicting and managing the emergence of novel or newly pathogenic viral strains.