What the Body Knows: A Guide to the New Science of Our Immune System

A leading scientist's spirited, confident guide to the way our immune system protects us-most of the time Humans may be the most disease-ridden animals on the planet. Our immune system is all that stands between us and hordes of opportunistic bacteria, viruses and parasites, and scientists have been investigating its breathtaking complexity for over 100 years. But there is still much to discover, and new breakthroughs continue to emerge. Leading immunologist John Trowsdale shows how the immune system works tirelessly to protect us against noxious pathogens, and is even involved in conditions such as dementia, cardiovascular disease, obesity and cancer. Its functions are largely hidden to us, but our bodies invest extensive resources to keep it running. And sometimes in exceptional cases, our own organs and tissues can get caught in the crossfire in the fight against disease. What the Body Knows is a remarkable account of a fascinating phenomenon-one whose importance is only becoming more evident, as we face multiple epidemics and health crises.

Autorentext

John Trowsdale is emeritus professor at the University of Cambridge, where he was head of the Immunology Division, teaching students about immunity for over twenty years. Previously a researcher at Cancer Research UK, his work has been influential in understanding the genetics of immunity.

Klappentext

A leading scientist’s guide to the way our immune system protects us—but only most of the time
 
What is our immune system, and how does it work? A vast array of cells, proteins and chemicals spring into action whenever our bodies are damaged, but immunity is not something you can see, touch, or feel. It can fight off malicious bacteria and viruses, locate cancerous growths, and even rewire our brains—but sometimes our own tissues can get caught in its crossfire, with catastrophic consequences.
 
Humans may be the most disease-ridden animals on the planet. John Trowsdale shows how the immune system protects us, and how our bodies invest huge resources to keep it running. Immunity influences how we age and controls how we learn to fight off recurring diseases, and how our bodies respond to chronic conditions such as heart disease and dementia. But, in the case of allergies and autoimmune conditions, it can also easily get things wrong.
 
What the Body Knows is a hugely readable account of a fascinating phenomenon—one which, for good or for ill, impacts every aspect of our lives.