How immune cells use zinc to combat infections (2026-2028)
Abstract
All animals need to defend against infections and other threats. This project aims to understand how immune cells called macrophages harness the antimicrobial properties of zinc to directly kill bacteria. The project expects to advance knowledge about how the immune system functions in several animal species, including those used in livestock industries. Expected outcomes include major conceptual advances in immunology and cell biology, new interdisciplinary collaborations, and new tools to study immune functions. While outside the scope of this proposal, anticipated benefits include a knowledge base that could, in the long term, be indirectly applied to develop strategies to combat infections in the livestock and other sectors.
