immune system support

Viruses & the role of the immune system

You cannot go far at the moment without hearing about coronavirus and its impact on our immune system. With cases set to rise and the impact on the country’s infrastructure now becoming of significant concern, it is important that we as individuals take responsibility for our own health.

Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases. Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties. In more severe cases, infection can cause pneumonia, severe acute respiratory syndrome, kidney failure and even death. COVID-19 is the most recent form of coronavirus which is responsible for the current epidemic. The WHO has recently stated that the virus is a pandemic and therefore we all need to be vigilant about avoiding infection as much as possible.1

As has been stated in the media, most individuals infected with the virus will only experience mild symptoms, however there is an increased risk for the elderly, those with underlying health conditions and immunocompromised people. Avoidance, self-isolation and good hygiene, especially hand-washing are all essential methods to help avoid infection as well as help to prevent the spread of the virus. However, individuals with a robust immune system more likely to only have mild symptoms and recover quickly. Therefore, interventions which can help to support normal immune function can be a useful way of helping to protect health.

This week’s blog looks at how viruses infect the body, the role of the immune system in fighting these viruses and the latest research surrounding the protective properties of beta glucans.

Skip to Key Takeaways

How do viruses infect the body?

Individual viruses work in slightly different ways but in simple terms they enter the body from the environment through the respiratory tract, eyes or breaks in the skin and attach to a host cell. They then inject their genetic material into the cell where it can replicate and produce more viruses which then break free and go on to infect other cells. This is known as the lytic cycle – explained below:2

  1. A virus particle attaches to a host cell.
  2. The particle releases its genetic instructions into the host cell.
  3. The injected genetic material recruits the host cell’s enzymes.
  4. The enzymes make parts for more new virus particles.
  5. The new particles assemble the parts into new viruses.
  6. The new particles break free from the host cell.

The immune system is a complex network of cells and proteins and provides the body’s defence mechanism against infections and viruses. The immune system has a number of responses to fend off these viruses and is essential in stopping he lytic cycle.

Role of the immune system

Once a cell has become infected it should be invisible to the immune system as it obviously looks like a ‘self’ cell. Cells overcome this by expressing a protein complex known as class I major histocompatibility complex proteins (MHC class I) which display protein fragments of the virus, which allows then to be recognised by the immune system.3,4

A number of different aspects of the immune system are involved in the initial reaction in order to fend off the infection these include;

Cytotoxic T-Cells – kill cells that are infected with viruses with toxic mediators. Cytotoxic T-cells have specialised proteins called T cell receptors (TCRs) which can recognise a particular antigenic peptide bound to an MHC molecule, they then release cytotoxic factors to kill the infected cell and, therefore, prevent survival of the invading virus.

Natural killer cells – Some viruses can prevent the expression of MHC complexes, in these cases the immune system has a further back up plan with natural killer (NK) cells. When a NK cell finds a cell displaying fewer than normal MHC molecules it releases toxic substances to kill in the infected cell.

Cytokines – when a cytotoxic cell detects a virus’ infected cell it releases cytokines including interferon-g and tumour necrosis factor-a, and transfer a signal from the T cell to the infected, or other neighbouring cells, to enhance the killing mechanisms and stimulate apoptosis.

Interferons – virally infected cells produce and release small proteins called interferons, which play a role in immune protection against viruses and also signal to other immune cells and neighbouring cells.

Antibodies – are produced following infection therefore there is a lag time in the production following infection. Viruses can also be removed from the body by antibodies before they get the chance to infect a cell. Viruses that are bound to antibodies are unable to infect cells, antibodies also stimulate other phagocytosing immune cells to destroy the virus.

If innate immunity is healthy and already primed then it is more prepared for defence against viral infections. One molecule that has been shown to help prime normal immunity is beta glucan here we look at how they function and research behind them.

Beta Glucans

What are they?

Beta glucans are an important structural component of cell walls in certain organisms such as bacteria, fungi and some plants. They come in different forms depending on the linkages between the monosaccharide (sugar) molecules. The numbers quoted before beta glucans refer to which carbon in the sugar ring the bond is formed between.

For example in beta glucan 1-3 linkages there is a bond between the 1st carbon on one molecule and the 3rd carbon on another. Without getting bogged down in the biochemistry, this is important because research suggests that beta glucan with 1-3 and 1-6 linkages (referred to as beta glucan 1-3, 1-6), which can be found in the cell wall of a fungi known as Saccharomyces cerevisiae (also known as baker’s yeast), elicits the most potent effect on immune function when compared to other beta glucans with 1-3, 1-4 linkages (these are found in oats for example).5,6 This is because the 1-3 particle exactly fits to the C3 receptor in the innate immune system.

How do they work?

Beta glucans are not synthesised by the human body and therefore are recognised as foreign. As they are found in the cell walls of fungi and bacteria the innate immune system recognises them as a potential pathogen, although they themselves do not possess the ability to cause an infection. The recognition of these specific molecules triggers the upregulation of the immune system.

Innate immune cells, unlike acquired immune cells, do not have the ability to recognise a wide range of antigens, however they carry on their surface an extremely important group of receptors called Toll-Like Receptors (TLRs). TLRs only respond to a limited number of compounds; but as these compounds are very basic elements in micro-organisms, and one or more of them occurs in every bacterium, virus and parasite, the TLRs are able to recognise almost any infection and initiate an appropriate immune response. When they recognise a bacterial cell wall compound, for example lipopolysaccharide or a fungal wall compound such as a beta glucan 1-3, 1-6, they initiate an antimicrobial response involving heightened macrophage and dendritic cell activity (when the TLRs are exposed to viral DNA they elicit a different antiviral response). Therefore beta glucans stimulate the body’s own antibiotic reaction and are able to activate the innate immune response.7

After ingestion, beta glucans are taken up by macrophages in the gut associated lymphoid tissue (GALT) and are phagocytosed (eaten). Macrophages digest the beta glucans into smaller fragments and release these over time into the bloodstream. The fragments bind to receptors on neutrophil granulocytes and NK cells, priming them and making them more active. Neutrophils are involved in killing bacteria, and the NK cells destroy both virally infected cells and cancer cells; leading to increased resistance to infection, and enhanced apoptosis of abnormal cells.8,9,10

Beta glucans can also evoke a response via the acquired immune system. When innate dendritic cells are activated they communicate the presence of a pathogen to the acquired immune system, warning that an infection is likely, and instruct naïve T helper cells to develop into TH1 cells, which have anti-microbial properties, rather than TH2 cells which are involved in allergic reactions. The resulting increase in the TH1/TH2 ratio has important anti-allergy effects.10

Research

There are increasing problems with antibiotic and anti-viral resistance. Priming the innate immune system with 1-3, 1-6 beta glucan has repeatedly been shown to increase resistance to bacteria and viruses in humans, fish, poultry, Guinea pigs, pigs and honey bees.11,12

A study looking at 49 adults aged 50 to 70 showed that daily oral β-1-3, 1-6 glucan may protect against upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) and reduce the duration of URTI symptoms in older individuals once infected. This may be linked to effects on innate immune function. Larger studies are needed to confirm the benefits of β-1,3/1,6 glucan on URTIs in this older population.9

Intensive exercise, whilst excellent for health in many ways, is associated with reduced immune function due to increased cortisol release (an immune suppressor). Infections, particularly of the upper respiratory tract (URTIs), are common for endurance athletes. UTRIs are also significant in immunocompromised individuals particularly the elderly. Studies have shown that:13

  • Beta glucan supplementation maintains immune function in endurance athletes
  • Beta glucan supplementation reduces post-exercise URTIs in marathon runners

A study in healthy subjects showed a 20-25% reduction in common cold episodes with supplementation of yeast beta glucan 1-3, 1-6. It concluded that the yeast beta glucan preparation increased the body’s potential to defend against invading pathogens.9

Research shows that beta 1-3, 1-6 glucans extracted from Saccharomyces cerevisae (baker’s yeast) can mitigate symptoms of the common cold. A placebo-controlled, double-blind study published in the Journal of Sports Science and Medicine investigated the effect of beta glucan supplementation on susceptibility to symptoms of URTIs two- and four weeks post marathon. They reported that after two weeks, 68% of the placebo group reported URTI symptoms, while only 32% (250mg) and 24% (500mg) of those taking beta glucan felt symptoms. After four weeks this dropped to 8% for both beta glucan groups versus 24% of placebo subjects.13

Supplementation

While 1-3, 1-4 beta glucans can be sourced through the diet, 1-3, 1-6 beta glucans are often supplemented to achieve therapeutic levels. Studies have demonstrated positive immunomodulatory effects using doses between 50-500mg, with doses between 100-500mg showing greatest effect.14 other studies have suggested 5mg/kg/day as a preventative dose and 10mg/kg/day therapeutically.

Mechanism of action of 1-3, 1-6 glucan from Saccharomyces cerevisiae:

  • When consumed orally 1-3, 1-6 glucan from is Saccharomyces cerevisiae taken up in the body by the Peyer’s Patches in the intestines.
  • Immune cells called macrophages (located in the Peyer’s patches) ingest 1-3, 1-6 glucan and travel to the immune organs throughout the body.
  • Macrophages break down 1-3, 1-6 glucan into smaller fragments that bind to neutrophils, the most abundant immune cells in the body.
  • Primed by 1-3, 1-6 glucan neutrophils move more quickly to recognize and kill foreign challenges.
  • Studies tracked fluorescently dyed 1-3, 1-6 glucan as immune cells transported it throughout the body. Within days, 1-3, 1-6 glucan is carried to the spleen, bone marrow and other immune organs.
  • A study observed significant improvement in the killing activity of immune cells. Phagocytic cells, which literally engulf and destroy foreign challenges, showed greater microbial killing action in subjects who had taken 1-3, 1-6 glucan.17

Safety

  • The majority of animal and human studies have not uncovered any adverse effects from taking beta glucan. A 14-day animal study found no observed adverse effect of 2,000mg/kg body weight of insoluble beta glucans. The safety of yeast derived beta-glucan supplementation has further been reviewed and supported by EFSA in doses between 375-600mg per day4,15

Yeast allergy: beta glucan supplements should be safe in the case of a yeast allergy. During preparation, the isolates are purified from Saccharomyces cerevisiae (baker’s yeast) and so there are not enough yeast proteins left to cause an allergic reaction16

You can also find more information on working through the coronavirus crisis and the challenges of working remotely from the director of The AIM Foundation, Nic Marks.

You can read this blog here – Working through the Coronavirus Crisis.

Key Takeaways

  • Viral infections are of significant current concern with avoidance, isolation and hygiene methods such as handwashing being essential interventions to help prevent the spread viruses, specifically COVID-19. Supporting innate immunity can be an additional useful intervention to help protect health.
  • Our own innate immune system has multiple interventions to enable us to fight off viral infections and in healthy individuals with robust immunity duration and severity of infections are reduced and could be prevented.
  • 1-3/1-6 beta glucans from saccharomyces cerevisiae possess immune supporting properties and have been used traditionally for providing immune support.
  • Beta glucans have been shown to have an immune boosting effect on T cells, natural killer cells, cytokine production and antibody reaction all of which are involved in the prevention and fight against viruses.
  • Priming the innate immune system with 1-3, 1-6 beta glucan has repeatedly been shown to increase resistance to bacteria and viruses in humans.11
  • 1-3/1-6 Beta glucans have been demonstrated to prevent and reduce duration of upper respiratory tract infections in older adults.

If you have questions regarding the topics that have been raised, or any other health matters, please do contact me (Helen) by phone or email at any time.

helen@cytoplan.co.uk, 01684 310099

Helen Drake and the Cytoplan Editorial Team


References

  1. Coronavirus (COVID-19) events as they happen. https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019/events-as-they-happen. Accessed March 11, 2020.
  2. Cohen FS. How Viruses Invade Cells. Biophys J. 2016;110(5):1028-1032. doi:10.1016/j.bpj.2016.02.006
  3. Immune responses to viruses | British Society for Immunology. https://www.immunology.org/public-information/bitesized-immunology/pathogens-and-disease/immune-responses-viruses. Accessed March 11, 2020.
  4. Noss I, Doekes G, Thorne PS, Heederik DJ, Wouters IM. Comparison of the potency of a variety of β-glucans to induce cytokine production in human whole blood. Innate Immun. 2013;19(1):10-19. doi:10.1177/1753425912447129
  5. Ikeda Y, Sunakawa T, Okamoto K, Hirayama A. Beta 1,3-Glucan Toxicology Studies Glucan Source: Yeast Citation Abstract.
  6. Scientific Opinion on the safety of “yeast beta -glucans” as a Novel Food ingredient. EFSA J. 2011;9(5):2137. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2011.2137
  7. McIntosh M, Stone BA, Stanisich VA. Curdlan and other bacterial (1→3)-β-d-glucans. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol. 2005;68(2):163-173. doi:10.1007/s00253-005-1959-5
  8. Chan G, Chan W, Sze D. The effects of β-glucan on human immune and cancer cells. J Hematol Oncol. 2009;2(1):25. doi:10.1186/1756-8722-2-25
  9. Auinger A, Riede L, Bothe G, Busch R, Gruenwald J. Yeast (1,3)-(1,6)-beta-glucan helps to maintain the body’s defence against pathogens: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicentric study in healthy subjects. Eur J Nutr. 2013;52(8):1913-1918. doi:10.1007/s00394-013-0492-z
  10. Chen J, Seviour R. Medicinal importance of fungal β-(1→3), (1→6)-glucans. Mycol Res. 2007;111(6):635-652. doi:10.1016/j.mycres.2007.02.011
  11. Stier H, Ebbeskotte V, Gruenwald J. Immune-modulatory effects of dietary Yeast Beta-1,3/1,6-D-glucan. Nutr J. 2014;13:38. doi:10.1186/1475-2891-13-38
  12. Jung K, Ha Y, Ha S-K, et al. Antiviral Effect of Saccharomyces cerevisiaebeta-glucan to Swine Influenza Virus by Increased Production of Interferon-gamma and Nitric Oxide. J Vet Med Ser B. 2004;51(2):72-76. doi:10.1111/j.1439-0450.2004.00732.x
  13. Talbott S, Talbott J. Effect of BETA 1, 3/1, 6 GLUCAN on Upper Respiratory Tract Infection Symptoms and Mood State in Marathon Athletes. J Sports Sci Med. 2009;8(4):509-515. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24149590. Accessed November 1, 2018.
  14. Ulbricht C. An evidence-based systematic review of beta-glucan by the natural standard research collaboration. J Diet Suppl. 2014;11(4):361-475. doi:10.3109/09286586.2014.975066
  15. Kernodle DS, Gates H, Kaiser AB. Prophylactic anti-infective activity of poly-[1-6]-beta-D-glucopyranosyl-[1-3]-beta-D-glucopryanose glucan in a guinea pig model of staphylococcal wound infection. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 1998;42(3):545-549. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/9517930. Accessed March 11, 2020.
  16. Virginio Agostoni C, Bresson J-L, Fairweather-Tait S, et al. Suggested citation: EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA); Scientific Opinion on the safety of “Yeast beta-glucans” as a Novel Food ingredient Scientific Opinion on the safety of “yeast beta-glucans” as a Novel Food ingredient 1 EFSA Panel on Dietetic Products, Nutrition and Allergies (NDA). EFSA J. 2011;9(5):2137. doi:10.2903/j.efsa.2011.2137
  17. WellImmune research update Jan 2020

Last updated on 3rd March 2021 by cytoffice


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37 thoughts on “Viruses & the role of the immune system

  1. Thank you so much for producing these very useful & informative articles. They are re ally helpful at this particular time. As I’m 73 I’m mostly self isolating so it’s good to have something to get ones teeth in so to speak.
    Best wishes, Gillian

    1. I’ve been taking Aloe XL whole leaf for years as I was told it was effective to boost the immune system against Graves Thyrotoxicosis. Would I be better taking Immunovite?

      1. Hi Sue,

        I am sorry to hear you have graves disease. I am reluctant to make any recommendations without knowing more about any medications you are taking and a little bit of history of the prevailing. If you are able to email me amanda@cytoplan.co.uk and I will be able to help you more and feel this is better on one to one communication.

        Thanks,
        Amanda

  2. I am a 65 years old and have an overgrowth of Candida for many years, will this problem be made worse if I take Beta Glucan? Can Beta Glucan kill parasites in the gut?

    1. Hi Ann,

      Candida (Candida albicans) is a different yeast to Saccharomyces cerevisae and there is no evidence that it aggravates candida. In fact, immune support is a helpful intervention for candida. Also useful may be Saccharomyces Boulardii (we have this as a supplement) for you as it can compete for adhesion to the gut lining with candida and increases sIgA, which is a important component of the immune system. Beta glucans themselves do not kill parasites in gut but support immunity, your immune system is primed to eradicate pathogens as much as it possibly can.

      Thanks,
      Helen

  3. Thank you for such an informative blog very interesting and for a lay person interesting and understandable !

  4. Obviously, a lot of that information relates to Immunivte, which I take daily, but could you also include tips for people to boost their immune systems through , say essential oils, like Thieves Oil, I use Burglars blend, through garlic, and meditation to clear negative energy. Reducing exposure to the news, to reduce anxiety levels, which causes stress which lowers the immune system. I am sure if people know of things they can do personally, it makes them feel more in control. That is something we are all lacking at the moment, it is like riding a runaway horse, you don’t know where it is all heading!

    1. Hi Shirley,

      Yes, we are currently writing other blogs in relation to this. Foods which support immunity include garlic, ginger, mushrooms also increase fresh vegetables in the diet generally as well as healthy fats form oily fish, avocado and olive oil. Keep active and practise stress relieving techniques such as mindfulness and deep breathing.

      Thanks,
      Helen

    2. Thank you for this very interesting and informative article. I’m immune-suppressed and staying indoors, as much as possible, although it seems to be impossible to find any delivery slots, at present. I always take a lot of vitamin c but have now placed an order for Immunovite. Prayers for the world, so we all keep well.

  5. Thanks for this article. I have recently been diagnosed with autoimmune neutropenia which is where my immune system attacks a component of my white blood cells, hence low immunity… would Immunovite still be OK and useful? Many thanks

    1. Hi Bailey,

      The issue with beta glucans and autoimmunity is purely theoretical ie as it boosts immunity it may lead to over stimulation. However, it is immune modulating and support a balance of Th1 and Th2 therefore should not have an effect on autoimmune conditions.

      Thanks,
      Helen

    1. Hi Angela,

      If the person has taken before they get pregnant then continue – if they have never taken before don‘t take in first 12 weeks. Thereafter is fine to take if threat exists, or symptoms, not just routinely preventatively.

      Thanks,
      Helen

  6. Hi Jane, After using beta glucans for a few days my thumb joint became painful( previously injured and now ?arthritic pain).My question is ;
    Could priming the immune system with beta glicans increase the effect of auto-immune conditions where it is thought that the immune system attacks the body.?

    Thank you,
    jackie

    1. Hi Jackie,

      The issue with beta glucans and autoimmunity is purely theoretical ie as it boost immunity it may lead to over stimulation. However it is immune modulating and support a balance of Th1 and Th2 therefore should not have an effect on autoimmune conditions. However if you continue to experience symptoms then stop taking to see if this improves.

      Thanks,
      Helen

    1. Hi Katie,

      Thank you for your comment. Selenium has been shown to be an important nutrient for supporting immune function and has been demonstrated to reduce inset and duration of infectious disease. The article hints that excess selenium may have a pro-inflammatory action. These are in vivo studies which don’t take into account other factor in the body. Also selenium is in the form of selenoniene, which is a synthetic form of selenium, not food bases. Which have different actions in the body. Selenium does support ACE inhibitor function but in the levels that ire in the supplement it wouldn’t affect blood pressure over and above that of ACE inhibitor medication. Nutrients like selenium are more immune modulating than over stimulating so as long you are not supplementing very high doses (over recommended on bottle) for a long time.

      In the current climate the benefits of immune support would outweigh any potential CV issues and there is not significant research that has shown selenium t be detrimental to CV health. If people have very low blood pressure (unlikely in CV patients) then it might be best to avoid over supplementing selenium in case it boosts ACE inhibitors too much.

      I hope this helps.

      Thanks,
      Helen

  7. Hi Helen, would love to get my mum taking immunovite. But just wondered if they would be okay to take whilst she is on prednisolone for auto Immune and also sulfasalazine? Would appreciate your option. Many thanks, Caroline

    1. Hi Caroline,

      Please can you let us know what your mum is taking these medications for (the name of her condition/s) and the doses of each? That will help us to advise safely and effectively for her. You might prefer to pick up with Amanda, one of our nutritionists, directly and she can help you – amanda@cytoplan.co.uk

      Thanks,
      Jo

  8. Hi All,

    I would like your views regarding Viruses being the RNA excretions of toxic Cells and the possibility that viruses are no more than the result of Exosomes. The inference being that the cells are made toxic and the so-called virus is no more that the toxic waste expelled as exosomes, and thus created from within the persons own body, rather than from an external attack of an invading virus.

    I would be grateful for your thoughts on viriology :
    Info from Dr Rashid Buttar, Dr Shiva and many others promoting this view.

    Many thanks
    William Kirby

    1. Hi William,

      Thank you for your comment, I have seen some of the opinions about exposomes and they are interesting. I am afraid I am not a virologist and therefore am not really qualified to make that that distinction. The infectious nature of the disease would suggest that there is human transmission which is typical of a viral infection, however there may certainly be other factors involved. It is still important to support resistance by supporting barrier health, immune function and modulating an inflammatory response.

      Thanks,
      Amanda

  9. William Kirby: viruses have been around on the planet for 4000 times longer than humans. They are not living. They are not part of the Tree of Life, and neither are they archaea. They may pick up components from anywhere as they pass from host to host and species to species, but they are essentially genetic material (of various lengths) in a protein coat. Many have a fatty capsule. There’s no more to them than that. Our problems arise from the way in which our cells – and which kind of cells – respond to these tiny objects.

  10. Very Interesting. However, it can be confusing for many people. I’m not suggesting that natural supplements are anything like the immune / organ damaging synthetic Pharmaceutical Drugs. But for example, if I was taking Lactoferrin couldn’t taking other supplements that fit part of the immune stimulant/ protection interfere with the balance. A Sixty year old businessman friend. Was taking several supplements which were all over lapping each other in providing various treatments all aimed at same overall illness..

    1. Hi Jean,

      Tank you for your comment. Yes I do understand this and it is for this reason we always recommend people to see a qualified therapist to help get the right programme in place for each person. The information we give is aimed at practitioners who have the knowledge to then factor in all they need to know and apply appropriately in practice. However it has become apparent during the past few months that people in general are looking to be more informed and self-empowered. We do offer a service here where we can help people work out the right programme for them, mindful of overlap and drug contraindications that might exist and then also have a list of qualified practitioners for those who need more help.

      Thanks,
      Amanda

  11. Hi, thank you for your informative article,
    I get recurrent genital herpes and wonder what might be the best product to keep the virus at bay or at least to have less outbreaks every year.

    1. Hi Bernie,

      Genital herpes are of viral origin so if this is an ongoing problem the indications are that your immune system is unable to overcome, or you are being re-infected. Either way the following will help acutely: Immune Complete 1 and take 2 capsules daily, Immunovite 1 capsule twice daily, L-lysine capsules, 2x500mg/day for 2-3 weeks at time of infection. A diet low in arginine and high in lysine will also aid resolution. To help ongoing with prevention of further infections you continue with Immune Complete 1 – 2 capsule daily. At the first sign of further infection revert to the acute protocol and over time I would expect the infections to reduce in severity and eventually disappear.

      Thanks,
      Amanda

    1. Hello Anthonia,
      We have a blog due to be released next week on this topic, we have made a note of your details and will send you a link as soon as it is live.

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