Immune System
![immune, cell,](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HCq4ru9zwbodKtA5foLYzV-320-80.jpg)
When it comes down to it, it's your immune system versus the world. From "innate" immunity — which protects your body against basic threats — to "adaptive" immunity, which homes in on specific targets, your immune system has you covered. Sometimes, however, your immune system can turn against you, leading to autoimmune diseases. To keep up with all things immune, check here for the latest news.
Latest about Immune System
![A white mouse is shown crawling out of a petri dish and onto a researchers'' hand. The mouse, who is in a side view, has one eye looking at the camera. The researcher is wearing blue lab gloves](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/fZtG5FB97npdrBHeum8XhV-320-80.jpg)
Scientists breed most human-like mice yet
By Emily Cooke published
Scientists have bred mice that are just like us — at least in terms of their immune systems.
![Fluorescent microscope image of the brain stem of a mouse shown in blue against a black background. Red-colored neurons can be seen dotted about towards the top middle portion of the brainstem.](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hrqXZ7jaiEtm7kvRz95Vxg-320-80.jpg)
Master regulator of inflammation found — and it's in the brain stem
By Emily Cooke published
Research in mice suggests that specific neurons within the brain stem act like the dial on a thermostat — fine-tuning inflammation as and when required.
![Medical illustration of an X-chromosome in blue in the foreground with another X chromosome behind against a blurred background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/KALJz3Py9Ze2wtji8CYhfc-320-80.jpg)
Women have 4 times men's rate of autoimmune disease. The X chromosome may be to blame.
By Emily Cooke published
A "complex" that regulates gene activity in people with two X chromosomes may predispose them to autoimmune disease, a new study hints.
![a grandmother smiles as she pinches a tissue over her young grandchild's nose; both are standing in what looks like a store with posters on the walls](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/4e9XX9ginmSTphwoqZ8zMn-320-80.jpg)
Why is snot sticky?
By Anna Gora published
The glue-like mucus in your nose plays an important role in your immune system.
![Illustration of a macrophage (in pink) releasing cytokines (in white) against a dark purple background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/oif2niBVS9DL9vrZnvoNqa-320-80.jpg)
Inflammation is a 'mismatch between our evolutionary history and modern environment,' says immunologist Ruslan Medzhitov
By Emily Cooke published
In this interview, immunologist Ruslan Medzhitov explains how fundamental inflammation is, why it often goes wrong, and whether there's anything we can do about chronic inflammation.
![Artwork displaying the figure of a woman (in orange) with four flames coming from her body against a blue background](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/movPqKDtE4GQpaooetcf6X-320-80.jpg)
'If you don't have inflammation, then you'll die': How scientists are reprogramming the body's natural superpower
By Emily Cooke published
Inflammation can be both a superhero and a villain, depending on the context. Rather than eliminating it completely, new treatments are trying to redirect it.
![close up illustration of a dark blue immune cell](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/tt9RXM7pfyuTHM8o3Q8zKk-320-80.jpg)
An immunologist explains why the immune system works best when balanced, not 'boosted'
By Aimee Pugh Bernard published
Disease can arise both when immune cells are too active and when they're not active enough.
![t-cells](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/jo5gNvX8LVUbdJeeVVC4tU-320-80.jpg)
Immune System: Diseases, Disorders & Function
By Kim Ann Zimmermann last updated
The job of the immune system is to protect against disease.
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