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Immune System

In Focus

The Immune System

From fending off the common cold to attacking cancer cells, the immune system is an incredibly complicated and crucial part of our survival.

Each time it mounts a response, the immune system must quickly and carefully orchestrate communication across vast numbers of cells and molecules.

Explore how the immune system protects us
We can completely reimagine how our cities, hospitals, and families prepare for and deal with cold and flu season.”

Bill Hanage

Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health

A man wearing a suit stands outside of a building with a glass entrance

With COVID added to the mix of viruses that typically circulate every year—including influenza, RSV, and other respiratory viruses—experts say “sick season” is likely to be worse, and longer, going forward.

Learn more about these viruses:

Boosting what we know

Scholars at Harvard are working to discover even more secrets of the immune system, from how it protects us to how it can be strengthened.

Review a first-of-its-kind Immune Dictionary


This might be a golden age for human immunology.”
Shiv Pillai
A dad holds a small baby

Scientists are working to better understand early-life immunity

Scientists are working to better understand early-life immunity

The beneficial effects of exercise may be driven by the immune system

A group of five students running together, training for a marathon
The beneficial effects of exercise may be driven by the immune system

Studies of deep-sea microbes showed that immunity can cross evolutionary distances

Two researchers stand in front of a large photo of a submersible they use to conduct research
Studies of deep-sea microbes showed that immunity can cross evolutionary distances

Scientists are investigating how the immune system goes awry

A scientist wearing a white coat stands in front of his lab
Scientists are investigating how the immune system goes awry

Research suggests that the thymus plays a vital role in immune health

An illustration of where the thymus is in the human chest
Research suggests that the thymus plays a vital role in immune health

Researchers discovered that the gut microbiome is critical in the immune system's development

A man stands in a lab
Researchers discovered that the gut microbiome is critical in the immune system's development
A person napping on a couch

How can you improve your immune system?

Our immune systems do a remarkable job of defending against infection, but sometimes they need some support.

Explore ways to fight off illness this winter

Pints of small peppers sit on a table at a Harvard farmer's market

How does gut health impact our immunity?

A Harvard study found an intricate interplay between gut microbes, food, and immunity.

Learn how your gut can impact your immunity

An adult takes a child's temperature using an ear thermometer

What can we do to keep our children healthy?

A Harvard medical school professor offers advice on how to help boost your child’s immunity.

Read about ways to protect children against illness

Learning from the past

Looking to the future