The Immune System: A Very Short Introduction

By Paul Klenerman

Very Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, Inspiring

The immune system is central to human health. Growing understanding of the immune system, and especially the creation of immune memory (which results in long lasting protection), have led to major breakthroughs in medicine and the design of vaccines.

In this Very Short Introduction, Paul Klenerman describes the immune system, and how it works in health and disease. He considers how the immune system evolved, the basic rules that govern its behaviour, and the major health threats where it is important. Paul Klenerman also explains how things can go wrong when there is too little or too much immunity. The book also addresses what we learned about the immune system from the COVID-19 pandemic and how that has influenced thinking about future pandemics.

ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0198936583
• ISBN13: 9780198936589
• Release Date: December 2025
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Length: 176 Pages