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

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 Knowsis a hugely readable account of a fascinating phenomenon—one which, for good or for ill, impacts every aspect of our lives.“Trowsdale gets down to the nuts and bolts, explaining how our immune system protects us, what keeps it running effectively, how it influences the process of aging, and how it learns how to fight off recurring disease.”—SHA Magazine

“Thought-provoking, packed with colourful anecdotes—not just the obvious medical school stuff. A pleasure to read.”—Danny Altmann, professor of immunology, Imperial College London

“A fascinating book that explores the latest research on the body’s defence system in a clear and entertaining way. It is full to the brim with insights about this very important but often overlooked part of the human body.”—Jonathan Kennedy, author ofPathogenesis: How Germs Made History

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