Your Remarkable Immune System
*NEW DATE* Monday, November 11, 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Bethany Congregational Church 556 N. Hope Avenue, Santa Barbara
VISTAS member price: $20; non-member price: $30
Presented by Bruce Phillips
The human immune system is extraordinary. It has been estimated that the human body contains more microbes on and in it than human cells. Of course, not all microorganisms are disease causing; some even benefit us. But many could kill us if not for the protection afforded by our immune system. How does it work? How does it know which cells belong to you and which represent foreign invaders In this class, we will discuss: (i) the components of our immune system, (ii) how it distinguishes self from non-self, (iii) how it combats foreign disease agents, (iv) what happens when it turns on itself (autoimmunity), and (v) how immunologists are trying, with some success, to utilize our own immune system to treat cancers.