Zinc is an essential mineral necessary for the development and function of our immune system. It activates killer T-cells, a component of our white blood cells that is responsible for killing foreign cells, cancer cells, and cells infected with a virus. Research shows that the antioxidant properties of zinc help mitigate oxidative stress.
 
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3102454/
https://www.jpost.com/health-and-wellness/article-706235