A leading scientist’s guide to the way our immune system protects us—but only most of the time
What is our immune system and how does it work? A vast array of cells proteins and chemicals
spring into action whenever our bodies are damaged but immunity is not something you can see
touch or feel. It can fight off malicious bacteria and viruses locate cancerous growths and
even rewire our brains—but sometimes our own tissues can get caught in its crossfire with
catastrophic consequences. Humans may be the most disease-ridden animals on the planet.
John Trowsdale shows how the immune system protects us and how our bodies invest huge
resources to keep it running. Immunity influences how we age and controls how we learn to fight
off recurring diseases and how our bodies respond to chronic conditions such as heart disease
and dementia. But in the case of allergies and autoimmune conditions it can also easily get
things wrong. What the Body Knows is a hugely readable account of a fascinating
phenomenon—one which for good or for ill impacts every aspect of our lives.
