Environmental Influences on the Immune System (PDF)

This book brings
together articles on the overarching theme of how the environment shapes the
immune system.

The immune system is
commonly assumed to respond to harmful pathogens such as bacteria and
viruses. However, harmless bacteria, chemicals, stress, normal food and other
factors can also trigger, shape or interfere with the immune system, often
producing adverse effects. Yet, it is also becoming increasingly accepted
that some of these interactions are physiological and necessary for a healthy
immune system.

Examples of negative
effects include the immunosuppressive effects of UV irradiation, or the
immunotoxic effects of manmade chemicals such as polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons. Autoimmunity or allergies can be the adverse
consequences of interaction between the immune system and chemical compounds such as drugs. Positive
effects can come from natural exposure levels to bacteria, healthy life-style
or the diet.

There is a great need
to understand how communication between the environment and the immune system
works. This book addresses this need. It covers environmental factors (such
as bacteria, sun exposure), human factors (such as age, exercise or stress),
and important man-made factors (such as air pollution). A chapter on human
rights complements the scientific chapters. The book is intended for
immunologists, toxicologists and researchers who want to know how the immune system
works and is triggered, as well as for medical doctors in environmental
medicine and the general public interested in immunology.