T-Lymphocytes

The precursor to B-lymphocytes and T-lymphocytes are the same but they perform completely different functions. T-lymphocytes are made in the bone marrow but need to be sensitized in the thymus in order to work (hence the name T-lymphocytes). When stimulated with an antigen, they don't make antibodies but instead produce cytotoxins, chemicals in our body that kill foreign cells. The T-lymphocytes divide themselves up into killer T-cells, helper T-cells and megakaryocytes, all that have a specific function in the destruction of foreign agents.

Macrophages

These types of giant killing cells deserve a category of their own. Ultimately it is the macrophages that do the serious killing of big foreign agents in the body. The precursor to these cells is the monocytes. The monocyte is a bone marrow-derived cell that further matures into a killing cell called a phagocyte. In the case of a big immunological "fight", the phagocytes blend together to form a gigantic macrophage that can chew up very large foreign cells and materials. When a macrophage does this, it pinches off a piece of what it ate in order to send a signal to other cells that foreign material is invading the area and to allow more cells join the battle.

Macrophages cluster in high risk areas such as the lungs, liver, kidneys, lymph nodes and spleen and are generally long-lasting. Healthy phagocytic (or cell eating) activity by these and other cells is vital to our ability to stay alive, fight off foreign agents and live a healthy life.

Beta 1, 3-D glucan works to support your immune system in these vital processes. Its effect on phagocytic activity in macrophages is well documented in several independent research studies. Perhaps you can now see that when these processes are working optimally, we have a better chance to fight off infection, battle cancer cells and hopefully, redirect an errant immune system in the proper directions.

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