New publication our immune system: a guardian, mediator, and betrayer

The new publication by Biosciences and Society (Biowetenschappen en Maatschappij) explains all about our immune system and how it can guards, mediates or betrays us. The interesting patient perspectives on autoimmune diseases brings the story of the immune system to life.

Our immune system protects us from pathogens and fights cancer. It consists of a whole army of  immune cells and antibodies. When the immune system fails or reacts unnecessarily or excessively, it results in immune disorder, allergies, or autoimmune disease(s). Fortunately, there is an increase in insights into how these ‘mistakes’ in our immune system emerge.

In the new publication people tell their stories, about the impact of their disease has on their lives. Thereafter, immunologists, pulmonologists, paediatricians, allergists, dermatologists, neurologists, haematologists, oncologists, cell biologists, microbiologists, and epidemiologists will tell the story from their perspective and profession. They will also explain how the immune system is involved and what treatments are available now, and what treatments are expected.

This publication is the result of a cooperation between scientists and specialists from, among others UMCU, UMCG, LUMC, Radboud umc, VUmc, AMC UvA, Erasmus MC, RIVM, Sanquin Research, University College Roosevelt, and Wageningen University & Research.

Interested? Read the publication here. Or read how the Top Sector LSH stimulates new research on the immune system.