Our immune system protects us against external pathogens and internal threats such as impaired body cells. Immune system malfunction is a critical element to many conditions, including infectious diseases, but also cancer and autoimmune disorders such as rheumatism and arthritis. The immune system is very powerful, but must continually work to find the right balance between tolerance and response. The Institute for Chemical Immunology (ICI) develops chemical compounds that can activate or suppress the immune system precisely.