The review articles in this special feature reflect the current status of k
nowledge in the field of exercise immunology, with a focus on how exercise
affects the human immune system and the health implications for resistance
to infections and neoplastic diseases. In an Olympic year, the emphasis of
exercise immunology research tends to be on elite athletes and the preventi
on of infections in the quest for optimum performance. However, research pr
esented in this issue also covers recreational athletes, as well as highlig
hting the benefits of exercise for our ageing population.