The Role of Selenium in Inflammation and Immunity: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Opportunities

Dietary selenium (]Se), mainly through its incorporation into selenoproteins, plays an important role in inflammation and immunity. Adequate levels of Se are important for initiating immunity, but they are also involved in regulating excessive immune responses and chronic inflammation. Evidence has emerged regarding roles for individual selenoproteins in regulating inflammation and immunity, and this has provided important insight into mechanisms by which Se influences these processes. Se deficiency has long been recognized to negatively impact immune cells during activation, differentiation, and proliferation. This is related to increased oxidative stress, but additional functions such as protein folding and…

• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Awards: R21AT004844, R01AI089999, G12RR003061
• NI
  National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases

  Award: R01AI089999
• NC
  National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine