Immunity

A leading figure in immunology takes readers inside the remarkably powerful human immune system. Winner of the CHOICE Outstanding Academic Title of the Choice ACRLThe immune system has incredible power to protect us from the ravages of infection. Boosted by vaccines, it can protect us from diseases such as measles. However, the power of the immune system is a double-edged sword: an overactive immune system can wreak havoc, destroying normal tissue and causing diseases such as type I diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. The consequences of an impaired immune system, on the other hand, are all too evident in the agonies of AIDS. Packed with illustrations, stories from Dr. William E. Paul’s distinguished career, and fascinating accounts of scientific discovery, Immunity presents the three laws of the human immune system—universality, tolerance, and appropriateness—and explains how the system both protects and harms us. From the tale of how smallpox was overcome and the lessons of the Ebola epidemic to the hope that the immune system can be used to treat or prevent cancer, Dr. Paul argues that we must take advantage of cutting-edge technologies and promising new tools in immunological research.

Paul recounts in a clear fashion the ideas, experiments and insights that have led us to our present day understanding of immunity. Along the way we encounter new viruses, autoimmunity, and the latest insights in cancer immunotherapy.
—Arnold J. Levine, Institute for Advanced Study

Immunity is at once an informative history of immunology with numerous personal asides and a brilliant introduction to the wonders of this key field of medical science. The novice can learn immunology from this book while the professional will appreciate Dr. Paul’s role in the history and enjoy his erudition and judgment.
—David Baltimore, California Institute of Technology, Nobel Prize Winner in Physiology or Medicine, 1975

A treasure trove of information, this wonderful book should broadly appeal to anyone interested in human health and disease. There is no competing volume that covers such breadth of immunology at this personal level. A tour de force.
—Daniel M. Davis, University of Manchester, author of The Compatibility Gene: How Our Bodies Fight Disease, Attract Others, and Define Our Selves

Dr. Paul has lived the modern history of basic and applied immunology. His warm, down-to-earth style and deep insight into biology lead the reader on a fascinating journey in understanding these diverse processes from the vantage point of a discovery scientist.
—Hyam Levitsky, MD, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine