The Paradox of the Immune System

The Paradox of the Immune System: Protection, Inflammation, Autoimmune Disease and Beyond provides a provocative approach to immunology as a 'double-edged sword.' While it is our greatest protector, it is also the cause of chronic inflammation that leads to autoimmune disease, cancer and infectious diseases like COVID-19. Sections cover the basic science of immunology and its intimate genetic associations, biomedical hypotheses asserting immunology as the basis of all human diseases, and elaborate on immunology as 'the enemy within us.' This engaging, original approach to a science so personal provides new and invaluable understanding on the bioscience that controls our lives. - Written in an expository style that allows for maximum understanding of the complex science presented - Presents the unfolding of immunology from a natural (innate) system into an adaptive system leading to chronic inflammation and ultimate disease - Provides readers with a unique perspective on health, wellness and disease

Dr. Louis J. (Lou) Catania is an internationally acclaimed educator, and a recognized expert in eye care, health care, artificial intelligence (AI) and immunology. He has authored over 160 journal articles and 12 textbooks, one of which, 'Primary Care of the Anterior Segment” received the Baron's Five Star (highest) rating for a medical textbook. He is currently a lecturer with the University of North Florida, Department of Continuing Education, Osher Lifelong Learning Institute; and a visiting Professor at Salus University, College of Health Sciences. During his 52-year clinical and academic career he has taught and lectured extensively worldwide. Dr. Catania's career in healthcare started as an optometric physician with an interest in corneal immunology. That interest grew into postdoctoral pursuits over the past 35 years with studies in virology, immunology and public health (University of Rochester, UPenn, Stanford Continuing Studies and MIT OpenCourseWare). He has dedicated himself to research, teaching, and writing with his 3 most recent books on AI in healthcare, AI in immunology, and an inspired new text on the mercurial nature of the human immune system ('The Paradox of the Immune System”). Dr. Catania's professional accomplishments in eyecare, healthcare and immunology have produced countless honors and awards including 2 Honorary Doctor of Science degrees; Distinguished Faculty Scholar at 3 academic institutions; induction into the National Optometry Hall of Fame; and innumerable domestic and international keynote and commencement addresses. In his personal time, Dr. Catania is an active volunteer with the National Park Service; a sea turtle patrol monitor in his beach community; and involved in multiple environmental, humanitarian and human welfare agencies.