The immune system is central to human health and the focus of much medical research. Growing understanding of the immune system, and especially the creation of immune memory (long lasting protection), which can be harnessed in the design of vaccines, have been major breakthroughs in medicine. Paul Klenerman describes the immune system, and how it works in health and disease. In particular he focuses on the human immune system, considering how it evolved, the basic rules that govern its behavior, and the major health threats where it is important.

What is the immune system -- First responders: the innate immune response -- Adaptive immunity: a voyage of (non-) self-discovery -- Making memories -- Too little immunity: immunological failure -- Too much immunity: auto-immunity and allergic diseases -- The immune system v2.0: biological and immune therapies.