Beta glucan is a scientifically proven biological defense modifier (BDM) that nutritionally potentiates and modulates the immune response. As a supplement, after swallowing orally, Beta glucan is ingested primarily through macrophage and dendritic immune cells, to nutritionally and safely yield, through immune response potentiation and modulation, in many instances various therapeutic healing effects generated by the immune cells. For many years Glucans have been investigated (History) for these immune enhancing properties, particularly their ability to activate macrophage immune cells and NK-Cells, plus in turn, the T-Cells, and B-Cells including selected cytokines and complement.
Th1/Th2 balance: the hypothesis, its limitations, and implications for health and disease.
Kidd P.
Altern Med Rev. 2003 Aug;8(3):223-46. Review.
PMID: 12946237
Th1 pathways typically produce activation of cytotoxic T
lymphocytes (Tc), NK cells, macrophages, and monocytes, all of
which can attack cancer cells and generally defend against tumors.
55 IFN-gamma and other Th1 cytokines are typically lower in
advanced cancer patients, while the Th2 marker IL-4 can be higher
or unchanged.56 Nodules of non-small cell lung cancer freshly
removed from patients expressed a marked imbalance toward Th2, as
did biopsy samples from basal cell carcinoma.57 In prostate cancer
patients IL-2 was low (Th1) and IL-10 high.58 IL-10 is a confirmed
Th1-suppressive cytokine, and heightened IL-10 is a common factor
in cancer.55
IL-10 has a variety of suppressive effects that include inhibiting
Th1 cytokine production, down-regulating APC and NK cell function,
and lowering overall T-cell proliferation.57 Especially under the
influence of IL-4 (Th2), tumor cells apparently up-regulate IL-10
that suppresses nearby killer cells. Tumor-derived IL-10 has been
documented in lymphoma, ovarian carcinoma, melanoma, neuroblastoma,
and renal cell and colon carcinoma.57 IL-12 is another cytokine
that can be up-regulated by Th1 activity and inhibited by Th2.59 A
low IL-12/IL-10 ratio was found in cervical cancer patients.55
Recent clinical studies suggest elevated IL-10 is predictive of a
poor prognosis. 57 With both IL-4 and IL-10 being proven inhibitors
of Th1 and promoters of Th2 activity, the recognized capability of
cancerous tissue to suppress immunity is readily rationalized.
Vitamin D in defense of the human immune response.\nAdams JS, Liu PT, Chun R, Modlin RL, Hewison M.\nAnn N Y Acad Sci. 2007 Nov;1117:94-105. Epub 2007 Jul 26. Review.\nPMID: 17656563\nDOI: 10.1196/annals.1402.03