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Experimental Infection with Listeria monocytogenes as a Model for Studying Host Interferon-γ Responses
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Zinc Supplementation Partially Reconstitutes Impaired Interferon-γ Production in the Elderly
Krisztina Olah1, Johanna Zenk1, Jana Jakobs1
1Institute of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstraße 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|January 28, 2026
Summary
Elderly individuals often have lower zinc levels and reduced immune function. Zinc supplementation improved immune response in older adults, especially those using proton pump inhibitors.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Nutritional Science
- Gerontology
Background:
- Aging is associated with declining immune function and altered zinc status.
- Zinc plays a crucial role in immune cell function and cytokine production.
- The transporter ZIP8 is involved in interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) production, but its regulation by zinc status in humans is not well understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between zinc status, immune response (IFN-γ production), and ZIP8 expression in elderly hospitalized patients compared to young healthy controls.
- To assess the impact of zinc supplementation on these parameters in zinc-deficient elderly individuals, particularly those using proton pump inhibitors (PPIs).
Main Methods:
- Assessed serum zinc, dietary zinc intake, PPI use, phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-stimulated IFN-γ production, and ZIP8 protein expression.
- Compared elderly hospitalized patients with young healthy controls.
- Administered zinc aspartate supplementation to zinc-deficient elderly participants and evaluated changes in zinc status, IFN-γ, and ZIP8 expression.
Main Results:
- Elderly participants showed lower zinc status and IFN-γ levels compared to young adults.
- PPI use correlated with zinc deficiency in the elderly.
- Zinc supplementation increased serum zinc and IFN-γ levels in deficient elderly individuals, with a significant increase in ZIP8 expression observed in those taking PPIs.
Conclusions:
- Zinc deficiency and impaired immune response are prevalent in the elderly.
- Zinc supplementation can enhance immune function in older adults, particularly those with zinc deficiency and on PPIs.
- Further research is needed to clarify the specific mechanisms linking zinc status, ZIP8 expression, and IFN-γ production in aging.
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