Timecode 00:25 - 02:02

The defensive battle

The immune system, just as an army on alert, fends off hostile pathogens which could become dangerous for the human body.

Timecode 02:02 - 06:33

The non-specific defence

The Nobel Prize winner Ilya Metschnikoff found out that there are cells patrolling the human body which track down and literally devour pathogens.

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(Length: 1:21 min)

Timecode 06:34 - 10:42

The specific defence

The Nobel Prize winners Paul Ehrlich and Emil von Behring discovered antibodies in the blood which, in contrast to the non-specific defence, render specific pathogens harmless.

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(Length: 1:02 min)

Timecode 10:43 - 11:38

The passive immunization

Children who have come down with diphtheria are injected with animal antibodies. In other words, every patient receives foreign antibodies which were not formed by his own immune system. This is why we speak of a passive immunization.

Timecode 11:39 - 13:23

The active immunization

Edward Jenner is regarded as the founder of modern vaccination: the principle: after being vaccinated with weakened or deactivated variants of a pathogen, the body forms defensive substances and cells which protect it from becoming ill if infected with the more dangerous, active variants of the pathogen.

Timecode 13:23 - 17:36

The coordination of the defences

T-cells coordinate the defences. If they recognize foreign antigens of pathogens on cells which are presenting antigens (e.g., phagocytes), then they give the B-cells the command to produce the appropriate antibodies. These antibodies track down the pathogens so that they can be eliminated by the phagocytes. The defensive battle takes place in the intricately branching network of the bloodstream and lymphatic system.

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(Length: 2:32 min)

Timecode 17:36 - 19:27

Success story protective vaccination

Smallpox is an example of the success of extensive protective vaccinations. It was possible to restrict the spread of the virus so drastically that it has been considered as eradicated since 1977. Protective vaccination has proven its worth for other pathogens as well.

Timecode 19:27 - 22:49

Polio virus

Extensive vaccination campaigns fighting the polio virus have led to the today's fortunate situation that cases of polio are virtually unknown. Nevertheless, the virus remains a risk, so it is not possible today to waive the need for vaccinations. The resistance to vaccinations found in parts of the general population favours the spread of pathogens.

Timecode 22:49 - 27:12

Lack of vaccination protection a risk!

The case of a man suffering from polio shows what consequences a lack of vaccination protection can have. But even vaccinations contain a risk. While harmful effects from vaccination are extremely rare, they cannot be completely excluded.