The natural history of the immune system

From amoebas and algae to corals and prehistoric fish, and on to the first vertebrates and primates: Clemens Arvay traces the fascinating evolutionary history of our immune system. He emphasizes how much our health depends on the condition of our habitats. His message is clear: to remain healthy in the long term, we need a paradigm shift towards eco-immunology. This young science investigates the impact of environmental factors, nutrition, and lifestyle on diseases and their progression. For instance, we learn why we are particularly susceptible to infections in certain life situations, why vaccinations sometimes work better and sometimes worse, and why tiny organisms in our gut play a crucial role in our defense functions. Only by understanding the past of our immune system can we grasp what it takes to stay healthy in the future.