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In the past, immune cells were all simply known as white blood cells. Nowadays, we know that there are T cells, B lymphocytes, macrophages, autoreactive T helper cells, microglia, Tregs and others. Together, they form a team that patrols the body like a health police force. Their targets include viruses, harmful bacteria, fungi, parasites, cancer cells and toxins.

Some immune cells produce antibodies, while others trigger defense mechanisms or perform tasks like devouring, cleansing, disposing of waste and calming the system. They can even go into a state of shock-induced paralysis.

"However, we still don't fully understand which situations cause the immune system to react in what way. That's where things get interesting," says UZH immunologist Nicole Joller, who wrote her thesis in the group led by experimental immunologist Rolf Zinkernagel.

Joller's research focus is the regulation of the immune system. And when it comes to regulation, the devil is in the details, she says with a wink. Why doesn't the immune system always work properly? Why, in autoimmune diseases, does the immune system launch an attack instead of providing protection? Why does it react so excessively in the case of allergies? Why doesn't it eliminate cancer cells effectively, instead allowing them to proliferate?

Joller's team is currently studying the "brakes" of the immune system: regulatory T cells (Tregs). Tregs are the balancing forces that maintain equilibrium between the body's defenses against infections and its self-protection mechanisms.

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