Zinc is a key micronutrient for both microbial pathogens and human host cells, particularly immune cells. Zinc can be concentrated by phagocytic cells, particularly neutrophils containing a cytoplasmic protein call calprotectin. These phagocytes can then signal T lymphocytes for an adaptive immune response, and they can concentrate free zinc toxic to microbes. Measurement of calprotectin can provide a means for assessing the magnitude of an inflammatory reaction, such as stool calprotectin measurement to gauge inflammatory bowel disease. |