BBC Science Focus Magazine

Inside the bold mission to map every immune system in the world

When we finally understand it, your immune system will provide a lot of answers. From what's actually causing any stomach aches to which vaccines will protect you from the next pandemic, there's a lot it can tell us.

But there's a problem. Scientists don't really understand your immune system or how it differs from others. Age, gender, race and even socioeconomic background can all impact your immune system, from changing your susceptibility to certain illnesses and diseases to altering your immunity to drugs.

But what if scientists had a map of every human immune system on the planet? Like

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