Zinc: The Molecular Basis Of It�s Toxicity To Gram-positive Pathogens And It�s Exploitation By The Innate Immune Response
Funder
National Health and Medical Research Council
Funding Amount
$588,398.00
Summary
Zinc in excess is toxic to bacteria, and the release of zinc is an important part of the immune response. Dietary zinc deficiency leads to increased susceptibility to pathogenic bacteria. How zinc affords protection has remained a mystery. We have identified a novel mechanism in 2 priority human pathogens by which zinc competes for the essential metal ion manganese. We will elucidate the molecular details of this mechanism and how it is harnessed by the immune system.