Viral infections and trace elements: A complex interaction

Several trace elements are essential micronutrients and are required for various body functions and well being of the immune system. The deficiencies of trace elements and infectious diseases often coexist and exhibit complex interactions. Several trace elements such as selenium, zinc, copper, manganese, etc. have immunomodulatory functions and thus influence the susceptibility to the course and the outcome of a variety of viral infections. Some trace elements inhibit virus replication in the host cells, thus showing antiviral activity. Many trace elements act as antioxidants or help such functions that not only regulate immune responses of the host, but also may alter the genome of the viruses. The grave consequences of this may be the emergence of new infections. The trace elements, viruses and immune system interactions have been briefly reviewed in this article to highlight the importance of trace element nutrition of host in not only optimizing immune response to infections, but also in preventing viral mutations which could increase viral pathogenicity.