How the Immune System Works is not a comprehensive textbook. It's the book thousands of students have used to help them understand what's in their big, thick, immunology texts. In this book, Dr. Sompayrac cuts through the jargon and details to reveal, in simple language, the essence of this complex subject. Fifteen easy to follow lectures, featuring the uniquely popular humorous style and engaging analogies developed by Dr Sompayrac, provide an introduction to the 'bigger picture', followed by practical discussion on how each of the components interacts with one another.

Includes index.

The innate immune system -- B cells and antibodies -- The magic of antigen presentation -- T cell activation -- T cells at work -- Secondary lymphoid organs and lymphocyte trafficking -- Restraining the immune system -- Self tolerance and MHC restriction -- Immunological memory -- The intestinal immune system -- The immune system gone wrong -- Immunodeficiency -- Vaccines -- Cancer and the immune system -- Immunotherapy.