The Very Short Introductions Podcast The Immune System – The Very Short Introductions Podcast – Episode 18
Dec 10, 2020
Join Paul Klenerman, a leading immunologist at the University of Oxford, as he sheds light on the fascinating world of the immune system. He discusses its vital role in defending against infections and explores variations in immunity among individuals. Klenerman also delves into how immune systems are present across life forms, including plants and bacteria, and highlights the groundbreaking applications of immunology in treating diseases like HIV and cancer. His passion for the field is evident as he shares his journey into immunology and its clinical implications.
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Immune System Protects Silently Across Body
- The immune system is distributed throughout the body and works as a coordinated unit to protect against infection.
- It usually operates silently, keeping you healthy so you rarely notice it until something goes wrong.
Immune Systems Span All Life Forms
- Every animal and even bacteria and plants have immune-like systems that provide recognition and memory against pathogens.
- CRISPR in bacteria is one such system and led to Nobel-winning gene editing tools used in medicine.
Immune Variation Between People
- Immune systems vary widely between individuals due to genes, microbial exposures, and microbiomes.
- Aging also reshapes immune responses, helping explain age differences in handling infections like COVID-19.
