Brainstorm Health® is the world’s leading paediatric clinic in the use of Micro-immunotherapy, an innovative approach that helps rebalance the immune system. Stella Chadwick leads the team having trained to the highest level in this therapy and we are pleased to now offer it to our patients.
Below is an overview of Micro-immunotherapy and how it can support the health of the immune system. You can jump to the end of this page to download scientific research papers on Micro-immunotherapy and a sample report.
What is Micro-immunotherapy?
Micro-immunotherapy helps restore the appropriate functioning of the immune system, a central pillar of our health. It can be integrated into any treatment plan, tailored to the needs of every patient and is safe and easy to administer to children.
Micro-immunotherapy uses the immune system’s chemical messengers at ultra-low doses to rebalance the immune system. It can be used in any condition associated with acute or chronic inflammation which may be due to chronic infection with virus, allergy or autoimmunity.
The therapy is delivered as capsules that are opened up and emptied under the tongue. The granules inside the capsules are made from sugar, similar to homeopathic preparations, and dissolve easily. This makes it particularly easy to give children. They are delivered in packs of 30 and are numbered and must be taken in sequence. It is an effective, safe and simple therapy and can be combined with any other interventions including diet, nutritional supplements, herbs and with most prescription medications. Normal dosing is one capsule per day but sometimes we decrease or increase dosing depending on the patient.
The Immune system
In order to understand micro-immunotherapy, it’s good to have a working knowledge of the immune system. The immune system is a complex network in our body dedicated to defending against internal and external threats. This network works day and night to identify and fight harmful bacteria, viruses and parasites, as well as aged and damaged cells, to keep us healthy.
Here is a quick video to explain how the immune system works and how micro-immunotherapy can help it:
Then, why exactly do illnesses occur? The state of the immune system is constantly adapting, and it can be influenced both positively and negatively by factors such as genetics, lifestyle and environment. The body will tend towards either health or illness depending on whether healthy or unhealthy mechanisms predominate. At Brainstorm Health® we create in-depth health plans that help support the optimum functioning of the immune system. Micro-immunotherapy is the latest tool we can use in our health plans.
Assessing the Health of the Immune System
Brainstorm Health® uses the latest cutting-edge tests available to assess the state of the immune system, including its responsiveness.
Some of them are briefly outlined below:
- Differential blood test: examination of the cellular proportion of leukocytes (white blood cells)
- Lymphocyte typing: precise assessment of the cellular immune status
- Protein profile and inflammation profile: evaluation of the degree of inflammation and nutrient supply of the patient
- Serologies: provide evidence of infections caused by viruses, bacteria and parasites, as well as viral reactivations
- HLA-typing: assessment of the relative risk for specific autoimmune diseases, allergies, and chronic infections.
Once we have assessed the immune system, we can then recommend a health plan that may include micro-immunotherapy if appropriate.
History of Micro-immunotherapy
Micro-immunotherapy was founded by the Belgian physician Dr Maurice Jenaer in the 1970s. It was established in close relation to the ongoing discovery of new immune messengers including cytokines, growth factors, hormones and neurotransmitters.
Already at that time, Dr. Jenaer could foresee the essential role that an immune system-based therapy would play in the maintenance and restoration of health. Highly motivated by the promising results gained from the sublingual administration of low doses of DNA and RNA, he decided to investigate whether other molecules (e.g. cytokines) administered in the same way could also have beneficial effects on the organism. From these investigations, he determined that the application of low doses of sublingually-administered immune messengers would offer a previously undiscovered therapeutic capability with optimal tolerability.
Today, the range of applications for low-dose immunotherapy is far wider and its therapeutic possibilities are becoming more and more apparent. The current state of knowledge in the fields of nano-pharmacology, biochemistry and molecular biology broadens the horizons for research in this field, where micro-immunotherapy will play an increasing role in the integrated treatment of patients in the future.
Benefits of Micro-immunotherapy
It speaks the same language as the immune system
Micro-immunotherapy uses the same chemical messengers that are responsible for communicating and coordinating our immune response.
It is safe and well tolerated by patients
The concentrations given are very low and subtly influence the immune system, avoiding any potential for adverse reactions. The remedies are created using plant proteins and do not contain any animal products.
It imitates the natural immune process
It works in a carefully programmed sequence that mimics the same steps our immune system takes to manage infection and inflammation.
It enhances regulatory function
This therapy does not force or block the immune system like other immunotherapies, but helps balance it for optimum functioning.
It is administered sublingually and easily absorbed by the body
The powder is poured under the tongue and absorbed directly into the lymphatic system which is the ‘information highway’ of our immune system.
It can be both preventive and therapeutic
There are many different formulations that can be tailored to the patient’s exact needs and can be combined with other treatments in a synergistic manner.
Therapeutic Applications
Below are brief explanations about how Micro-immunotherapy can be used in different areas of health.
Paediatrics
A child’s immune system is not yet fully mature during their first years of life. While newborns have a certain amount of protection against infection in their first few months thanks to antibodies passed on from their mother, their immune system subsequently has to learn how to defend itself against harmful intruders. Thus, every infection represents a form of training for the defense units, so immunity can be built up little by little. [1, 2, 3]
The anatomical, physical and biochemical immaturity of children’s immune system makes them more prone to infection. Early childhood, particularly during the winter months, is thus accompanied by frequent infections of the air passages (e.g., multiple episodes of bronchitis, ear infections, inflammations of the nose and throat). In addition, viral diseases, such as chickenpox, are some of the most frequent childhood illnesses.
Nutritional deficiencies, environmental pollution and lack of sleep can further burden a child’s immune system and facilitate the onset of illnesses such as allergies (e.g., asthma, sniffing) and skin diseases (e.g., warts, eczema).
Micro-immunotherapy can be applied in paediatric medicine to provide gentle support to a child’s immature immune system when dealing with infections, thereby minimising the risk of reoccurrence. It can also have an immunoregulatory effect on illnesses related to an underlying misdirected immune response. Through the use of low and ultra-low doses of immune transmitters (e.g., cytokines), it is also well tolerated by the organism of very young children and can be combined synergistically with other therapies.
References: 1. Levy O. Innate immunity of the newborn: basic mechanisms and clinical correlates. Nat Rev Immunol 2007 7(5): 379-390 / 2. Ygberg, S. and Nilsson, A. (2012), The developing immune system – from foetus to toddler. Acta Paediatrica, 101: 120-127. / 3. Lewis DB, Wilson CB. Developmental immunology and role of host defenses in fetal and neonatal susceptibility to infection. In: Remington JS, Klein OJ, Wilson CB, Baker CJ. Infectious diseases of the fetus and the newborn infant. 6è éd. Philadelphia: Saunders/Elsevier. 2005, p. 87-210.
Infectious Diseases
Our organism is constantly exposed to numerous viruses, bacteria and parasites. These infections usually pass without being noticed, as the immune system defends us against these microorganisms before they can harm us. If, however, the defence mechanisms are damaged through internal or external factors, various diseases can occur:
- Viral infections (e.g. mononucleosis, oral (labialis) and genital (genitalis) herpes, shingles (herpes zoster), chickenpox, genital warts through papillomavirus, hepatitis)
- Bacterial infections (e.g. chlamydia, Lyme disease)
- Parasitic infections (e.g. toxoplasmosis)
Some of these microorganisms, such as the herpes viruses (e.g. the cytomegalovirus or Epstein-Barr virus infection), also possess the ability to remain in the body and reappear at a later stage, so that numerous diseases present or can become chronic [1]. These include chronic fatigue syndrome, fibromyalgia, Hashimoto thyroiditis and multiple sclerosis, to name but a few. [2-5]
Micro-immunotherapy aims to strengthen the body’s natural defences against infection and to inhibit the propagation of disease pathogens.
References: 1. Fujinami RS et al. Molecular mimicry, bystander activation, or viral persistence: infections and autoimmune disease. Clin. Microbiol. Rev. 2006;19(1):80–94. / 2. Ascherio A, Munger KL. Epstein-barr virus infection and multiple sclerosis: a review. J Neuroimmune Pharmacol. 2010;5(3):271-277. / 3. Pender MP. CD8+ T-cell deficiency, Epstein-Barr virus infection, vitamin D deficiency and steps to autoimmunity: a unifying hypothesis. Autoimmune Dis 2012: 189096 / 4. Coskun O, Sener K, Kilik S y col. Stress related Epstein Barr virus reactivation. Clin Exp Med 2010, 10: 15-20. / 5. Janegova, A., Janega, P., Rychly B., Kuracinova, K. Babal, P. The role of Epstein-Barr virus infection in the development of autoimmune thyroid diseases. Endokrynol Pol 2015; 66 (2): 132–136.
Gastroenterology
The importance of the intestines for our health goes far beyond their digestive function. As a point of surface with the outer world, they are continuously exposed to external factors, such as components of food, bacteria, viruses, and parasites, lending the gut an important function as a defense organ.
This protective system is made up of three components:
- Microbiota
This refers to the whole collection of physiological microorganisms present in the intestines. In addition to suppressing undesired germs, the intestinal flora is, among other things, involved in the maturation of the immune system and has a positive effect on immune tolerance. [1] - Intestinal mucosa
This forms a physical barrier to the external world and has the dual role of, on the one hand, allowing nutrients and fluids to pass out through the intestine walls to the blood circulatory system and, on the other hand, protecting against the invasion of undesired germs. [2] - Immune system of the gastrointestinal tract
80% of immune cells can be found in the intestinal mucosa. The purpose of the immune system in the gastrointestinal tract is to efficiently combat disease pathogens found in the intestines while tolerating normal intestinal flora and food constituents. [2]
Disorders of intestinal permeability (leaky gut syndrome) and intestinal flora (dysbiosis) are closely associated with the occurrence of numerous diseases, including inflammatory intestinal diseases, such as Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis, but also chronic systemic diseases such as obesity and diabetes. [2] Behavioural and other neuropsychological disorders, including stress, depression and autism, have also been associated with disorders of normal intestinal function. [3, 4]
For intestinal diseases, micro-immunotherapy aims to modulate the inflammatory response and restore the immune tolerance of the intestines. In the context of psychoneuroimmunology, it can also make a significant contribution towards the regulation of the stress axis that can also influence the gastrointestinal system. [4]
References: 1. Petersen, C. & Round, J. L. Defining dysbiosis and its influence on host immunity and disease. Cell. Microbiol. 16, 1024–1033 (2014). / 2. Richards, J. L., Yap, Y. A., McLeod, K. H., Mackay, C. R. & Mariño, E. Dietary metabolites and the gut microbiota: an alternative approach to control inflammatory and autoimmune diseases. Clin. Transl. Immunol. 5, e82 (2016). / 3. Mangiola, F. et al. Gut microbiota in autism and mood disorders. World J. Gastroenterol. 22, 361–8 (2016). / 4. Dinan, T. G. & Cryan, J. F. Melancholic microbes: a link between gut microbiota and depression? Neurogastroenterol. Motil. 25, 713–719 (2013)
Neurology
Nerves, hormones and the immune system speak the same language, which is based on neurotransmitters, cytokines and hormones, in such a way that they mutually influence each other. Disturbances to this complex regulatory circuit can contribute to numerous diseases.
In this context, it is well known that chronic stress is accompanied by the elevated production of inflammation mediators and a reduction in the happiness hormone serotonin, which can lead to the onset of neuropsychological diseases, such as depression. [1]
In addition, numerous studies have proven that immune disorders and chronic inflammation processes are associated with the neurodegenerative diseases Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. [2, 3]
The immunological approach based on treating neurological and psychological diseases, as adopted by micro-immunotherapy, is therefore gaining significance. The aim of the low-dose immunotherapy promoted by this treatment is mainly to curb excessive inflammation responses, as well as to balance improper functioning of the immune system, in order to limit or slow down the course of the disease.
References: 1. Kannarkat GT, Boss JM, Tansey MG. The role of innate and adaptive immunity in Parkinson’s disease. J Parkinsons Dis. 2013;3(4):493-514. / 2. Boutajangout A, Wisniewski T. The Innate Immune System in Alzheimer’s Disease. International Journal of Cell Biology. 2013;2013:576383. / 3. Aye Mu Mint, Brian E Leonard, Harry WM Steinbusch, Yong Ku Kim. Th1, Th2 and Th3 cytokine alterations in major depression. J Affect Disord. 2005; 88(2):167-73.
Dermatology
The skin is the largest organ of the human body. It is the point of contact between the body and the outside world and fulfils numerous important functions: it acts as a protective barrier against harmful external aggressions, is responsible for temperature regulation, transmits sense stimuli, and even possesses immunological functions influenced by the skin flora. [1, 2]
There are different aspects that affect skin functionality, including genetics or environmental factors, among others, and that makes the body more prone to illness. Furthermore, liver and intestinal disorders (such as intestinal dysbiosis) can have a negative effect on skin function. [3, 4]
An alteration of deficiency of the immune system can lead to numerous skin disorders. These include:
- Inflammatory, autoimmune, and chronic diseases (e.g. atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, scleroderma, alopecia areata, vitiligo, etc.)
- Infections (e.g., chickenpox, shingles, cold sores and genital, warts, papillomavirus, Lyme disease…)
- Allergies (e.g., allergic dermatitis)
- Skin aging
Therapeutic strategies applied for skin disorders should therefore not only take into account the symptoms but also the underlying immune deficiencies and factors involved that sustain these disorders. These include, for example, stress, inflammation and infection.
Micro-immunotherapy eliminates possible sources of irritation for the immune system and restores the balance of misdirected immune processes.
References: 1. Belkaid Y, Segre JA. Dialogue between skin microbiota and immunity. Science 346: 954- 959, 2014 / 2. Castrillon Rivera LE, Palma Ramos A y Padilla Desgarennes C. La función inmunológica de la piel. Dermatologia Rev Mex 52: 211- 24, 2008 / 3. Dogra S, Jindal, R. Cutaneous Manifestations of Common Liver Diseases. Journal of Clinical and Experimental Hepatology. 2011;1(3):177–184. / 4. Vaughn A et al. Skin-gut axis: The relationship between intestinal bacteria and skin health. World Journal of Dermatology. 2017; 6(4):52-58.
Rheumatology
Bone and joint disorders affect millions of people worldwide and occur increasingly more frequently as the population ages. These conditions include osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, fibromyalgia, Bekhterev’s syndrome, Sjögren’s syndrome, psoriasis arthritis, as well as systemic lupus erythematosus.
These diseases are often multifactorial; not only degenerative processes, but also infectious and autoimmune factors such as trauma, play important roles as causal and risk factors. Most of these conditions follow a chronic course and cause different symptoms, ranging from joint pain, reduced mobility and bone weakness, through to invalidity.
Inflammation and immunological imbalances are closely related to the onset and progression of bone and joint disorders. [1-3] In this context, micro-immunotherapy aims to limit the inflammation processes responsible for joint damage, to decelerate bone degeneration, as well as to counteract the tendency for it to become chronic.
References: 1. Hardy, R., Cooper, M.S. Bone loss with inflammation. Journal of Endocrinology 2009. 201, 309–320. / 2. Bultink IE, Vis M, van der Horst-Bruinsma IE, Lems WF. Inflammatory rheumatic disorders and bone. Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2012;14(3):224-230. / 3. Sokolove J, Lepus CM. Role of inflammation in the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis: latest findings and interpretations. Ther Adv Musculoskelet Dis. 2013;5(2):77-94.
Odontology
Periodontitis is an inflammatory disease of the periodontium (supporting apparatus) of teeth that leads to gum loss and degeneration of the jaw bone. It is one of the most common infectious diseases of the oral cavity and its main symptoms are bad breath, bleeding and swollen gums. In an integrated approach to dentistry, periodontitis is not regarded as an isolated disease, but rather as a symptom of a general regulatory disorder of the body as a whole. Its occurrence is closely related to an imbalance of immune defences and can point towards intestinal disease. [1, 2]
In this area, micro-immunotherapy can be applied to reduce inflammation, as well as to restore the balance between bone resorption and growth.
References: 1. Cekici A, Kantarci A, Hasturk H, Van Dyke TE. Inflammatory and immune pathways in the pathogenesis of periodontal disease. Periodontol 2000. 2014; 64(1):57-80. / 2. Lira-Junior R, Figueredo CM. Periodontal and inflammatory bowel diseases: Is there evidence of complex pathogenic interactions?. World J Gastroenterol. 2016;22(35):7963-72.
Gynecology
The vaginal flora and the immune system form an important protective shield against harmful microorganisms in a woman’s genital tract. If these defence mechanisms are not functioning properly, various complaints can arise, including infections of the vagina and bladder. This also significantly increases the risk of contracting sexually-transmitted diseases, such as herpes genitalis (caused by herpes simplex viruses), condyloma (genital warts, caused by human papillomaviruses) and chlamydiosis (caused by Chlamydia). [1]
Similarly, other illnesses, such as autoimmune diseases (e.g., Hashimoto thyroiditis and endometriosis) are also more frequent if the immune system is out of balance. [2]
Additionally, day-to-day life of a woman in today’s world is anything but calm! A hectic lifestyle, professional and familial responsibilities, as well as stress and overexertion, can unbalance the interplay between the nervous, hormonal and immune systems, making the onset of recurrent oral herpes, fatigue, depression, allergies and inflammatory diseases more likely. [3]
Micro-immunotherapy is an immunoregulatory treatment approach that can make a significant contribution towards recovery and quality of life for various conditions that frequently affect women. Micro-immunotherapy offers the immune system a kind of boost and works its effects in both a sequential and optimised manner, since it imitates the natural response cascade of this complex network. The aim is to achieve a suitable response from the organism to internal and external agents.
References: 1. Krishna SBN et al. The vaginal microbiota in women health and disease: current understanding and future perspectives – a review. Current Trends in Biotechnology and Pharmacy. 2016;11(2):190-205. / 2. Dittfeld A, Gwizdek K, Michalski M, Wojnicz R. A possible link between the Epstein-Barr virus infection and autoimmune thyroid disorders. Cent Eur J Immunol. 2016;41(3):297-301. / 3. Vissoci Reiche, E.M., Odebrecht Vargas Nunes, S., Kaminami Morimoto, H. Stress, depression, the immune system, and cancer. The Lancet Oncology. 2004 ; 5(10):617-625.
Allergology
An allergy is an excessive immunological reaction to generally harmless environmental substances, termed “allergens” (e.g., pollen, fur and specific food substances). The immune system regards these as harmful and initiates an inflammatory reaction that involves different immune cells and transmitters. Diseases with an allergic origin include hay fever, allergic dermatitis, conjunctivitis and food allergies, among others. [1-3]
By applying low doses of cytokines and other immune transmitters, micro-immunotherapy aims to suppress allergic reactions. It is therefore not only targeted at treating annoying symptoms arising from allergic reactions, such as sneezing, coughing, itching, sore eyes and skin reactions, but actually focuses on combatting their underlying causes, by regulating the misdirected immune response.
Micro-immunotherapy has proven to be of invaluable help in supporting therapeutic strategies for the treatment of allergies, and can be applied in an acute phase, as well as preventatively.
References: 1. Amin, K. The role of mast cells in allergic inflammation. Respiratory Medicine. 2012 ; 106, 9e14 / 2. Bachert, C. The role of histamine in allergic disease: re-appraisal of its inflammatory potential. Allergy 2002 ; 57: 287–296. / 3. Ellenbogen Y., Jiménez-Saiz, R., Spill, P., Chu, D.K., Waserman, S. Jordana, M. The Initiation of Th2 Immunity Towards Food Allergens. International Journal of Molecular Sciences. 2018; 19, 1447.
Micro-immunotherapy Research
Micro-immunotherapy is an evidence-based approach that helps rebalance the immune system. Here are a collection of published scientific research papers you can download for further reading.
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