The Compatibility Gene: How Our Bodies Fight Disease, Attract Others, and Define Our Selves
Broad and fascinating introduction to immunology
The Compatibility Gene is a very wide traverse across the science of immunology. Early work tackling transplant rejection, the function of antigens, genetic diversity, disease healing - Davis bravely touches on many aspects of immunology but does not hesitate to provide useful explanations as necessary. He is a capable and easy expositor, targeting this book well at a lay audience. Many concepts are technical, with explanations that may take a couple of reads. The acronym laden text takes a little following - not all are as memorable as NK (Natural Killer). But it's not a long book and well worth the perseverance.
Davis broadens the scope of the book even further to expound theories on how compatibility genes may affect choice of partners, the connections between the nervous system and immune system, and how pregnancy is possible. A lot of explanation is at a molecular level but the great strength of Davis's book is his tracking of the lives of the scientists, their motivations, controversies, competition and achievements. His narrative on the life of Peter Medawar alone is worth the price of the book. In considering this review, I don't know how he fitted so much into 186 pages. The Notes section is very extensive and helpful and the Index useful.