Immune

Synopsis

The book from the creator of the wildly popular science YouTube channel, Kurzgesagt - In a Nutshell, a gorgeously illustrated deep dive into the immune system that will change how you think about your body forever.
__________

'A truly brilliant introduction to the human body's vast system for fighting infections and other threats'
JOHN GREEN, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Fault in Our Stars

'Reads as if it's a riveting sci-fi novel . . . a delightful treat for the curious'
TIM URBAN, creator of Wait But Why
__________

You wake up and feel a tickle in your throat. Your head hurts. You're mildly annoyed as you get the kids ready for school and dress for work yourself. Meanwhile, an utterly epic war is being fought, just below your skin. Millions are fighting and dying for you to be able to complain as you drink your cup of tea and head out the door.

So what, exactly, IS your immune system?

Second only to the human brain in its complexity, it is one of the oldest and most critical facets of life on Earth. Without it, you would die within days. In Immune, Philipp Dettmer, the brains behind the most popular science channel on YouTube, takes readers on a journey through the fortress of the human body and its defences. There is a constant battle of staggering scale raging within us, full of stories of invasion, strategy, defeat, and noble self-sacrifice. In fact, in the time you've been reading this, your immune system has probably identified and eradicated a cancer cell that started to grow in your body.

Each chapter delves deeply into an element of the immune system, including defences like antibodies and inflammation as well as threats like viruses, bacteria, allergies and cancer, as Dettmer reveals why boosting your immune system is actually nonsense, how parasites sneak their way past your body's defences, how viruses - including the coronavirus - work, and what goes on in your wounds when you cut yourself.

Enlivened by engaging full-colour graphics and immersive descriptions, Immune turns one of the most intricate, interconnected, and confusing subjects - immunology - into a gripping adventure through an astonishing alien landscape.

Challenging what you know and think about your own body and how it defends you against all sorts of maladies and how it might also eventually be your own downfall, Immune is a vital and remarkably fun crash course in what is arguably, and increasingly, the most important system in the body.
__________

Read more

Summary

Chapter 1: Introduction to the Immune System

This chapter introduces the basic concepts of the immune system, including its components, functions, and importance in maintaining health. For example, it explains how the immune system recognizes and attacks pathogens, such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites.

Chapter 2: Innate Immunity

Innate immunity is the body's first line of defense against pathogens. This chapter covers the different components of innate immunity, including physical barriers (e.g., skin, mucous membranes), cellular mechanisms (e.g., phagocytes, natural killer cells), and chemical defenses (e.g., antimicrobial peptides).

Chapter 3: Adaptive Immunity

Adaptive immunity is the more specific and targeted response of the immune system. This chapter explains how B cells and T cells work together to recognize and destroy pathogens. It also discusses the concept of immunological memory, which allows the body to respond more quickly and effectively to future encounters with the same pathogen.

Real-world example: The adaptive immune response to a measles virus infection. After the virus enters the body, B cells produce antibodies that bind to the virus and mark it for destruction by phagocytes. T cells also help kill virus-infected cells and produce cytokines that promote the immune response.

Chapter 4: Antigen Recognition

This chapter focuses on the role of antigen-presenting cells (APCs) in the immune response. APCs engulf pathogens and break them down into smaller pieces called antigens. These antigens are then presented to T cells, which can recognize and activate them.

Chapter 5: Antibody-Mediated Immunity

Antibodies are proteins produced by B cells that bind specifically to antigens. This chapter discusses the different types of antibodies and their roles in the immune response. For example, some antibodies neutralize pathogens, while others activate the complement system, which helps destroy pathogens.

Real-world example: The use of monoclonal antibodies as a treatment for cancer. Monoclonal antibodies are designed to bind to specific proteins on cancer cells, blocking their growth or triggering their destruction by the immune system.

Chapter 6: Cell-Mediated Immunity

Cell-mediated immunity involves the activation of T cells to destroy infected cells or kill pathogens directly. This chapter examines the different types of T cells and their roles in the immune response. It also discusses the importance of cell-mediated immunity in fighting certain types of infections, such as viral infections.

Real-world example: The use of CAR T-cell therapy in treating leukemia. CAR T cells are genetically engineered T cells that target specific antigens on cancer cells, providing a more personalized and effective treatment.

Chapter 7: Immunological Tolerance

Immunological tolerance is the ability of the immune system to distinguish between self and non-self. This chapter discusses the mechanisms that prevent the immune system from attacking the body's own tissues. It also explains how tolerance can be broken, leading to autoimmune diseases.

Real-world example: The development of autoimmune thyroid disease. In this condition, the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, leading to inflammation and reduced thyroid hormone production.

Chapter 8: Immune Disorders

This chapter covers the various disorders that can affect the immune system. These include autoimmune diseases, immunodeficiencies, and allergies. It explains the different causes, symptoms, and treatments for these disorders.

Real-world example: The impact of HIV infection on the immune system. HIV weakens the immune system by destroying T cells, making individuals more susceptible to opportunistic infections and certain types of cancer.