Taking a tour through the immune system, this work examines the history of its discovery, the ways it protects us and its potential for profound harm. Each medical problem involving the immune system is explained in non-technical terms, to make its complex workings comprehensible.

Chapter 1: Overture to a science unborn: Smallpox and the origins of immunology ; Chapter 2: The anatomy of an immune response ; Chapter 3: Living in the bubble: Primary immune deficiency diseases ; Chapter 4: Hypersensitivity and allergy ; Chapter 5: Horror autotoxicus: The immunology of self-destruction ; Chapter 6: When the wall comes tumbling down ... AIDS ; Chapter 7: Organ transplantation: Technology vs. ethics? ; Chapter 8: Minding the immune system's business: The dialogue between the brain and the immune system ; Appendix: Diversity, tolerance and memory: The intellectual history of immunology

"Clark's historical background and clear explanations of...microscopic processes offer the kind of primer that lay readers will find valuable."--Business Week "Explain[s] the rudiments of the immune system and the terrible consequences that can occur when the immune system is absent, as with AIDS, or when it is misguided, as with autoimmune diseases like lupus.... And there is a tantalizing section on the new discipline of psychoneuroimmunology--the relation of the mind to the immune system."--Anna Fels, The New York Times Book Review "Clark is an experienced teacher and researcher, and it shows. He communicates well and knows his subject."--Choice "Clark's historical background and clear explanations of...microscopic processes offer the kind of primer that lay readers will find valuable."--Business Week "A pithy overview...of the milestones in immunologic history and research."--Discover "A lucid discussion of our body's immune system. Devoting each chapter to a unique malady or condition, [Clark] provides the details needed to understand our immune structure, particularly when it unravels and turns on itself.... Clark's presentation is straightforward, arranged well, and includes historical background. Highly recommended."--Library Journal "Explain[s] the rudiments of the immune system and the terrible consequences that can occur when the immune system is absent, as with AIDS, or when it is misguided, as with autoimmune diseases like lupus.... And there is a tantalizing section on the new discipline of psychoneuroimmunology--the relation of the mind to the immune system."--Anna Fels, The New York Times Book Review "The immune system is a lifesaver, but it can overkill--that is, attack its possessor's friends as well as its enemies. Clark explains this highly technical subject clearly."--Booklist "A lucid, up-to-date account of the body's immune system from a pro who has taught the subject at UCLA for 25 years."--Kirkus Reviews

A comprehensive and understandable explanation of the immune system Examines the ways the immune system can harm, as well as protect Explores the ethics of organ transplantation, one of the twentieth century's crowning medical achievements Reveals where new breakthroughs are likely to come from Plumbs the fascinating dialogue between the mind and the immune system

William R. Clark, an internationally recognized authority on cellular immune responses, has taught immunology at the University of California, Los Angeles for the past twenty-five years. He is the author of Sex and the Origins of Death.

A comprehensive and understandable explanation of the immune system Examines the ways the immune system can harm, as well as protect Explores the ethics of organ transplantation, one of the twentieth century's crowning medical achievements Reveals where new breakthroughs are likely to come from Plumbs the fascinating dialogue between the mind and the immune system