Fig. 5.

Zn suppresses T helper 17 (Th17) cell development by inhibiting STAT3 activation. Peripheral naive CD4⁺ T cell precursor cells can differentiate into three subsets of effector T cells (Th1, Th2, and Th17). The differentiation of these subsets is governed by selective cytokines, and each subset accomplishes specialized functions. Th17 cells, which are critical for the development of inflammation and autoimmune disease, are induced by IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor beta (TGF-β). Zn directly binds STAT3, inhibiting its activation by IL-6 and suppressing autoimmune diseases such as experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). P tyrosine phosphorylation