Upon ligand engagement, these receptors in turn engage MyD88 which signals through IRAK4 to turn on a variety of pathways, including NF-kB and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

FORBES: Immunokinase Drug Candidates: $12B in Value Creation and Counting

Through further experiments in human cells and animal studies the researchers found that a protein called NF-kB lured zinc into the immune cells that responded fastest to fight infection.

BBC: Zinc 'keeps immune system in check'

Once inside, the zinc then put the brakes on further activity in the NF-kB pathway, slowing down the immune response and limiting the amount of inflammation, the study, in Cell Reports, indicated.

BBC: Zinc 'keeps immune system in check'

Prof John Beattie, head of the micronutrients group at the University of Aberdeen, said NF-kB cropped up in many processes in the body, including atherosclerosis, which leads to blocked arteries seen in heart disease and has been linked to zinc deficiency.

BBC: Zinc 'keeps immune system in check'