This animation depicts the dance of multiple cell types that comprise our innate immune system to identify and remove foreign particles before they can wreak havoc in our body. A live action basketball analogy in the visuals and voice over make this animation highly relatable, helping viewers understand the scale and function of our surface defense mechanisms against foreign particles (like viruses and bacteria). If a particle gets past the barrier defense mechanisms, then our innate immune system steps up and our animation kicks in.
When a macrophage attacks an invading particle, the viewer almost feels like they will get engulfed also, giving a visceral feel to the animation. While not specifically called out for the viewer by voice over, the animation contains very accurate depictions of the structure of natural killer (or NK) cells and neutrophils, such as the more spherical shape of the neutrophil while circulating versus the more amorphous shape taken on when activated. Learn more about these animations in our blog, HILLEMAN – A PERILOUS QUEST TO SAVE THE WORLD’S CHILDREN
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