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Effect of Copper on Immune Function and Disease Resistance

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Abstract

Recent evidence suggests that copper exacts an important role in the maintenance of immunocompetence. Copper deficiency results in decreased humoral and cell-mediated, as well as nonspecific immune function. Impairment of immune function may be highly correlated with an increased incidence of infection and higher mortality rates observed in copper-deficient animals. The actual mechanisms by which copper is involved in immune processes are not well defined. This review addresses the copper-immune function interaction and discusses possible immunomodulatory roles for copper.

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© 1989 Plenum Press, New York

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Stabel, J.R., Spears, J.W. (1989). Effect of Copper on Immune Function and Disease Resistance. In: Kies, C. (eds) Copper Bioavailability and Metabolism. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-0537-8_22

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-0537-8_22

  • Publisher Name: Springer, Boston, MA

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4612-7855-9

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4613-0537-8

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

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