(c)

These active fragments bind onto the surface of neutrophils, the most abundant immune cells in the body on to a receptor called CR3 – Complement Receptor 3. The neutrophil is now activated or ‘primed’ and ready to react to foreign challenges or pathogens.

For a neutrophil to kill a pathogen, the CR3 receptor must be occupied by both complement – a blood protein – and beta glucan. The CR3 receptor is occupied naturally by beta glucan on the cell walls of moulds and yeasts. But there are other threats including bacteria, viruses and cancer, where, in our over-sterile environment, beta glucan is not present in sufficient amounts.

By taking a beta glucan supplement, the neutrophils are provided with the missing element they need to trigger their natural killing mechanism.

A fully primed neutrophil now migrates to the site of its target (whether bacterium or cancer cell) through a process called chemotaxis.

The primed neutrophil binds to the surface of this pathogen and recognises it as ‘non-self’ ie foreign. It is now able to destroy that pathogen by releasing toxic chemicals. 

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