Immunity is not just for humans: microbes have sophisticated defense systems too.
In short: We tend to view immunity as a uniquely human or mammalian trait, but it is actually a universal feature of life. This lecture explores the diverse and surprising ways that bacteria, amoebae, and nematodes defend themselves against viral threats and rival organisms.
While immunity is often associated with complex animals, almost every living organism possesses mechanisms to protect itself. Robin May, Professor of Infectious Disease at the University of Birmingham, examines the microscopic battlefields where bacteria and other microbes engage in constant warfare.
Recorded on 2nd October 2024 at Barnard's Inn Hall, London, the lecture highlights how these tiny organisms have evolved specialized systems to survive. Understanding these microbial defenses provides insight into the fundamental nature of biological survival across the entire tree of life.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Do Microbes have Immune Systems? - Robin May
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