Zinc Oral Supplementation Induces a Significant Rise of TRECs and T CD4+NaiVe and Prevents the Increase of Ttv Viral Load after Stem Cell Transplantation: The Zenith Study

Introduction: Immune reconstitution after stem cell transplantation (SCT) plays a crucial role in host defense against microbial agents. The thymus atrophy occurring with ageing represents a limit for de novo T-cell reconstitution, although the reactivation of thymic function after BMT is documented. The proper strategy to improve the thymic output is currently matter of debate. Pre-clinical and clinical evidences suggest that Zinc oral supplementation may contribute to thymic reactivation and to improve the T-mediated cellular defense against pathogens. We tested the role of Zinc oral supplementation in immune reconstitution, using as model the autologous SCT in multiple myeloma.