Posted on April 25, 2008 - by MG
The immune system kicks a**
Antigen presentation – the central tenet of immunology. Didn’t make any sense to me until I saw the crystal structures of MHC I, and the T-Cell receptor.
I emerged into the outside world today full the kind of renewed energy that only a post-viral recovery gives you.
The immune system is an amazing thing. Even moreso when you have some knowledge of how it works. I remember when they published the crystal structure of the Major Histocompatibility Complex I protein bound to a peptide antigen. Luckily for me this was the year that I took biochemistry finals at Oxford. I’d never understood the scientific evidence for molecular immunology properly until I actually saw those molecules interacting.
I’m just not good enough of an abstract thinker. The cellular evidence just befuddled me. I had to see something in 3D before I could catch on.
Immune system, amazing, hence I have made a whole load of antibodies and cytotoxic T-cells and other cell and molecular weapons and totally kicked that viruses ass and cleared it out of my system. And if anything like that comes round again, my B-cells will give it what for…
Oxford was warm and filled with shoppers, students and tourists. I heard some Brazilians speaking Portuguese and it cheered the part of me that still wants to be in Sao Miguel do Gostoso. I dropped into Waterstones and was relieved to see that ‘Invisible City’ survived the recent cull of children’s books on display in the window. Still on display and in the 3-for-2! Lots of books for older readers have been put aside to make way for picture books and other things for younger kiddies. Finally I share a window display with the wonderful Axel Scheffler!
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The MG Harris Blog
Website of MG Harris, author of the children's book series "The Joshua Files".Information for school visits and events.
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April 25, 2008
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This should make your day better…I walked into my first class today to see five blinding orange lights, then when i looked closer, it was five copies of joshua files! XD
Hopefully the colours should catch on, (pun not intended) and maybe i’ll be blinded a little more every day! Brilliant!
Lukas
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April 25, 2008
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Thank you Lukas that DOES make my day better!
Just for that you can sneak a peek at something I’ve been working on. The first bit of a play I’m having with a trailer for ICE SHOCK…
see http://animoto.com/play/DkHfen0jZEZ1PW0p81ymog?autostart=false
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April 25, 2008
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OoOoh nice. Like the guitar XD
) it’s all been positive feedback. 
From the…(hold on mental block, i’ve forgotten how to spell loock..) Oh nevermind it’s passed, Looks like Josh is gonna be goin on a bit of an expedition, even more so this time. Can’t wait for Book 2!
Also from what i’ve heard from some people who have been discussing the group (sounds like there could be a club soon!
Ice Shock has high expectations, but i’m sure you’ll do weel to fulfill those expectations. (I’m starting sound like shakespeare here. Great Expectations eh, ooh good book creepy opener, (actually the opener is all i’ve read))
Get Even Better..er soon!
Lukas
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April 28, 2008
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Hey Lukas, thanks for that news!
Great expectations, eh? You’re not the first person to say that about the second book of this series.
I’m fairly sure that it will pack a huge punch and entertain you. But it may well take the story in directions you don’t expect…