In Light of the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic: Revisit of the Evidence Associating Zinc and Anti-viral Response

Since the discovery of the first reported case with Zinc-deficiency in Iran1 by Prasad et al. in 1961, the knowledge on Zinc has increased significantly. Zinc is the second most abundant common trace mineral in the human body, responsible for vital biological functions from cell growth and development to cell homeostasis and immune response 2,3. Up to a fifth of the global population is estimated to suffer from different degrees of Zinc deficiency4. In the western world, Zinc deficiency is more prevalent among the geriatric population3, vegans/vegetarians, and people with certain underlying conditions4such as liver cirrhosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and various auto-immune disorders4,5. Zinc and Zinc deficiency has been associated with several infectious diseases 2,3. Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) which is responsible for the ongoing pandemic belongs to the family of coronaviruses. SARS-CoV-2 has a high genetic similarity to another family member, SARS-CoV, which caused the first major epidemic of the 21st century6,7. Currently, there is no evidence linking the anti- SARS-CoV-2 response and the element Zinc. Herein and in light of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, we marshal the evidence associating the element Zinc with the anti-viral and antibacterial immune response as well as the cytokine storm and lung injury. Such a revisit of the precedent evidence may inspire further investigation assessing the relationship between Zincemia status and the anti-viral response in SARS-CoV-2 patients.