Understanding inflammation – and above all, how to regulate it – is one of the great medical challenges of modern medicine. Its role as the first line of defence is crucial. It occurs when the presence of infectious agents triggers an inflammatory response. As well as hindering the entry of viruses and bacteria, this acts as a distress signal, attracting other components of our immune system.
But excessive inflammatory response can be harmful. Indeed, poor regulation of inflammation plays a central role in the way many illnesses develop.
