What the Body Knows

“Trowsdale gets down to the nuts and bolts, explaining how our immune system protects us, what keeps it running effectively, how it influences the process of aging, and how it learns how to fight off recurring disease.”—SHA Magazine“Thought-provoking, packed with colourful anecdotes—not just the obvious medical school stuff. A pleasure to read.”—Danny Altmann, professor of immunology, Imperial College London“A fascinating book that explores the latest research on the body’s defence system in a clear and entertaining way. It is full to the brim with insights about this very important but often overlooked part of the human body.”—Jonathan Kennedy, author of Pathogenesis: How Germs Made History“Packed with fascinating scientific tidbits and accessible to the curious of all walks of life, this delightful book takes the reader on a guided tour through the wonderland of our immune system.”—Mary Carrington, senior principal scientist, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research“John Trowsdale draws on—and skilfully connects—so many rich and varied sources from his experience at the top of this field. The book is not only fascinating to read but also fun.”—Paul Klenerman, Sidney Truelove Professor of Gastroenterology, University of Oxford“It gave me great personal pleasure to read this new book by John Trowsdale, which makes the science of immunity so accessible to lay people, in an elegant and incisive way.”—Michal Schwartz, professor of neuroimmunology, Weizmann Institute of Science

John Trowsdale is emeritus professor at the University of Cambridge, where he was head of the Immunology Division, teaching students about immunity for over twenty years. Previously a researcher at Cancer Research UK, his work has been influential in understanding the genetics of immunity.