Innate Immunity is Crucial

The innate immune system is the body’s first line of defense against infections, responding rapidly to invading pathogens. While robust in young children, it weakens with age and poor health.

Another crucial factor is innate immune training, where immune cells are reprogrammed after initial exposure to an infection, enhancing their ability to respond more effectively in the future.

Children tend to catch colds more frequently than adults because their innate immune systems have had less exposure and training. However, the vital role of a strong innate immune response was evident in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, as children experienced much milder symptoms due to their naturally robust innate immunity. As CoVID-19 was a novel virus, adults had no advantage from prior immune training in this case

A healthy innate immune system can often clear infections on its own, but when overwhelmed, the adaptive immune system takes over, producing specific antibodies against the invading pathogen.

An Immune Paradox

Paradoxically, an intense and prolonged adaptive immune response can reduce innate immune training by bypassing or shortening the innate systems engagement with a pathogen. As such, when the adaptive immune system quickly produces antibodies and T-cell responses against a specific pathogen, it can neutralize the infection before the innate immune cells undergo sufficient training or reprogramming. This limits the ability of the innate systems to develop a broader, more generalized response to all types of future infections.

Focusing solely on repeatedly boosting antibody levels against specific COVID-19 spike protein antigens, rather than strengthening and optimizing the innate immune system, may have actually increased susceptibility to future CoVID-19 variants and a wide range of other infections.

Can innate immune function be augmented?

Whether due to aging or inadequate training, various strategies can enhance the innate immune response. In addition to healthy lifestyle practices, Luminnova Health recommends utilizing

• photodynamic therapy (PDT),

• photobiomodulation (PBM),

• pure far infrared therapy and

• specific evidence based postbiotics to boost the innate immune system in persons who are most at risk.

Lifestyle Practices

Health promoting lifestyle practices play a crucial role in shaping the effectiveness of the innate immune response. These include:

• OPTIMAL NUTRITION: we advise a plant rich diet, free of ultra processed foods with adequate intake of omega 3 fatty acids and vitamin D.

• GUT MICROBIOME: It is estimated that over 70% of our immune cells are located in the gut and proper function of these cells is strongly dependent on the gut microbiome. Studies indicate that a plant rich diet and fermented foods promote a healthy mix of gut microbes. Specific probiotic supplements have also been shown to reduce the frequency of upper respiratory tract infections. Severity of CoVID-19 infection was also correlated with lower microbiome diversity.

• ADEQUATE SLEEP: Sleep disruption can impair immune function. Aim for 7-8 hours of restorative (good quality) sleep per night.

• EXERCISE: frequent, moderate exercise can have a profound beneficial impact on immune function. Even small increases in levels of activity can have significant benefit. On the other hand, prolonged high intensity exercise typical of elite athletes may actually have the opposite effect.

photodynamic therapy

PDT uses a photosensitizing agent activated by light to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS), which destroy cancer cells and infections. Since infected and cancerous cells are more vulnerable to ROS, PDT offers several immune benefits:

1. Rapid Viral Reduction - Destroys viruses within seconds, lowering viral load.

2. Innate Immune Boost - Eliminates infected cells, stimulating innate immune cell production and function, preventing system overload.

3. Innate Training - Activates and reprograms innate cells, enhancing future responses, especially to related pathogens.

Repeated PDT sessions further strengthen innate immunity, leading to broader immune activation.

Click here for more scientific references.

photobiomodulation

Photobiomodulation (PBM) uses light to stimulate biological processes, traditionally for wound healing and pain relief, but there is also evidence that it can enhance innate immunity.

Like PDT, PBM improves immune cell function and even optimizes specialized receptors involved in immune training. Notably, PBM stimulates mesenchymal stem cell production, supporting immune cell development in the bone marrow. It may also counteract age-related thymus decline, which affects immune response and infection resistance.

Click here for more scientific references.

Pure Far Infrared Therapy

Pure far infrared (FIR) therapy can enhance innate immunity by promoting microcirculation, reducing inflammation, and stimulating cellular activity. FIR waves penetrate deep into tissues, increasing blood flow and oxygen delivery to immune cells, which helps them function more efficiently.

Additionally, FIR therapy has been shown to activate heat shock proteins and nitric oxide production, both of which play key roles in immune defense by modulating inflammation and supporting cellular repair. By promoting detoxification through sweating and enhancing mitochondrial function, FIR therapy may also strengthen the body’s natural ability to fight infections and maintain overall immune resilience.

Immune Boosting Postbiotic strains

The body hosts trillions of microbes, primarily in the gut, that tremendously impact overall health. Live cultures of these organisms are administered for their health promoting benefits. Postbiotics, bioactive compounds derived from probiotics, provide similar benefits without the logistical challenges of maintaining active cultures and safety issues of using live cultures in those with weakened immunity.

Postbiotics help reduce inflammation, prevent harmful bacterial growth, and strengthen the gut barrier, protecting against toxins. They also support glucose and lipid metabolism, potentially lowering obesity and type 2 diabetes, key risk factors for severe COVID-19. Research has also shown that specific strains of postbiotics like MCC1849 and L-137 enhance defenses by:

For immunity, postbiotics like MCC1849 and L-137 enhance defenses by a number of very important mechanisms:

• Helping immune cells detect harmful germs by up -regulating specialized pattern receptors

• Increasing interferon and other natural virus-fighting chemicals produced by the body

• Controlling inflammation to avoid harmful overreactions (cytokine storm)

• Strengthening natural killer cells and other immune cells that attack viruses

Clinical trials suggest postbiotics may lower viral infection rates and severity.

Click here for scientific references.

THERAPEUTIC RATIONALE of the Luminnova Innate Boost

The aim is to use PDT, PBM, and postbiotics to strengthen the innate immune response, thereby reducing the risk of severe CoVID-19 and other respiratory infections:

1. Significantly increase the general readiness of the innate immune system to tackle infection 

2. Leverage currently high CoVID-19 circulation to train immunity for future strains.

3. Lower viral loads in acute infections to help prevent immune suppression (reduced lymphocyte count)

4. Lower the risk of other types infections by boosting broad immune readiness.

HOW CAN THIS BE ACHIEVED?

Sublingual PDT/PBM

Systemic PDT/PBM can be achieved by directing light therapy at appropriate wavelengths and power under the tongue (sublingually) thereby achieving a non-invasive, full body therapy. The light therapy can be administered alone or after giving an oral photosensitizer and timed to coincide with its peak absorption.

Patients sometimes report mild, transient myalgia (aching muscles) a few hours following the initial PDT sessions which appears to be related to activation of the innate immune response. In our experience, these treatments have resulted in expedited recovery of severe CoVID-19 disease, documented eradication of reactivated viruses like cytomegalovirus and significant clinical improvement in Lyme disease.

PBM Sternum

Treatment over the sternum bone in the chest has been recommended as a means of targeting both the thymus gland and the mesenchymal stem cells within the bone marrow.

Postbiotic Formulation

Luminnova Health has selected Flora-Matrix Postbiotics which contains evidence- based dosages of MCC-1849, L-137 and highly beneficial short chain fatty acids designed to optimize immune response and reduce inflammation

Sample Case STUDIES

CASE ONE: Sublingual PBM/PDT

BEFORE: A classic “targetoid” pattern of expanding redness on the face (erythema migrans) due to Lyme disease. This has been present and worsening for 6 weeks. Biopsy was carried out on the day of presentation along with a single treatment of sublingual PBM/PDT using chlorophyll as a photosensitizer.

AFTER: One week later (see time stamp) the pathology report confirmed Lyme disease and the facial eruption had completely resolved after a single session of sublingual PBM/PDT. No other treatments had been used. This dramatic improvement was likely due to direct targeting of Borrelia burgdorferi, the causative agent of Lyme disease, coupled with  optimization of the immune response.

CASE TWO: Sublingual PBM/PDT

BEFORE: Specialized immunological tests revealed significantly elevated cytomegalovirus (CMV) titers with associated symptoms including poly arthritis and fatigue. CMV is challenging to treat due to its ability to establish lifelong latency, evade the immune system, and develop resistance to antivirals.

A series sublingual PBM/PDT sessions employing methylene blue and riboflavin as photosensitizers were administered over 3 weeks.

CASE THREE: Sublingual PBM/PDT

Patient treated on day 14 of CoVID-19 infection during the first wave of the pandemic. Patient had severe breathing difficulties which warranted referral for in-patient treatment but unfortunately was turned away due to capacity issues. Reported severity as 10/10 as unable to inhale fully. Described a sensation of a “balloon being blown up against my breathing” making it difficult to breathe in - along with intense pressure in the head. Pt had been unable to sleep due to these symptoms.

Day 1: Offered sublingual PBM/PDT as in patient therapy was unavailable. Patient noted immediate reduction in severity of breathing and fell asleep for nine hours. Upon waking reported breathing difficulty at 4/10 level of severity although there was persistent chest soreness and she still felt slightly weak.

Day 2: Two additional sessions of PBM/PDT. Patient reported  “Breathing is basically normal but still slightly lightheaded. Had a full night’s rest”.

Day 3: Still slightly lightheaded but no coughing and effortless breathing. Two sublingual treatments carried out as before. Evening: No coughing, breathing effortlessly (0/10 severity) and dizziness had settled completely.

CASE FOUR: Far Infrared Therapy

This is a summary of a case published by Ventura et al. A 67-year-old woman with Parkinsons disease and hypertension was diagnosed with pulmonary tuberculosis on 21/10/11. She began standard TB treatment but discontinued it after one month due to severe side effects, including vomiting, loss of appetite, and weakness. Following treatment cessation, her symptoms worsened, with persistent cough, difficulty breathing, chest pain, night sweats, and weight loss.

On 1/12/11, she opted for an alternative treatment using far-infrared therapy at the Institute of Traditional Medicine in Peru. Sessions were conducted three times a week for 18 weeks. Within nine days, she reported significant symptom improvement, including reduced cough, dyspnea, night sweats, and weakness. By 30 days, her condition continued to improve, and her sputum smear test for acid-fast bacilli became negative.

Over the next four and a half months, continued monitoring showed sustained improvement, with repeated negative TB tests. On 12/4/12, she was officially declared cured and discharged by the National Tuberculosis Prevention and Control Program.

PLEASE NOTE:

It is important to note that these measures do not guarantee a specific level of protection. They should be used alongside other preventive strategies as needed (See Viral Defense Strategies).