Publication of Jean-Marc Cavaillon's book La flamme salvatrice, il était une fois l'inflammation

Jean-Marc Cavaillon, a professor at the Institut Pasteur, Head of the Cytokines and Inflammation Unit and an immunology lecturer, has a new book out this month, published by Docis, entitled La flamme salvatrice, il était une fois l'inflammation (The saving flame – the story of inflammation).

In this book, Jean-Marc Cavaillon reveals the fascinating story of inflammation: its beauty when associated with immunity and protection from infection, contrasted with its ugliness when it results in disease and even death. With references to films and artwork, he illustrates the two faces of inflammation, its "part angel, part demon" quality which resonates with life's yin and yang and with notions of good and evil. Jean-Marc Cavaillon offers a thorough sweep of the literature, taking readers from the age of dinosaurs to the most recent discoveries in the 21st century. He outlines the many factors that influence the quality of the inflammatory response, including stress, sex, aging and the nervous system, and looks at the placebo and nocebo effects.

In this book, Jean-Marc Cavaillon shares his passion for inflammation, a process that is so intricately linked to life, and that shaped the trajectory of his scientific career.

This is a great read – don't miss it!