Essential elements as critical players against SARS-CoV-2 activity

Abstract

Background: SARS-CoV-2 virus is currently one of the main causes of death worldwide. Several studies have suggested that various trace elements play a vital role in the immune activity during viral infection, being an important tool to understand the SARS-CoV-2 infection and its systemic behavior, which affects different organs.

Purpose: To summarize recent studies that report the effect of trace elements on the immune system and their role in fighting SARS-CoV-2 infection, presenting potential biochemical routes.

Method: The main databases (ScienceDirect®, Scopus®, PubMed®) were consulted to search for works published up to October 2022, focusing on the role of trace elements in the immune activity against viral infection, including SARS-CoV-2.

Conclusion: Many elements can act both in the activation of the host’s immune activity and in the survival of the virus since these processes occur with the participation of essential metals to guarantee the integrity of their functions. However, the relationship between trace elements and viral infection is complex, and requires further studies, mainly, focusing on the systemic behavior of SARS-CoV-2 infection.