[The competent cell - the immune system as a metaphor, sign, language and culture]

We investigated how the progressive function of the metaphor, the model world of signs, language and culture, link the cell's immunological knowledge with a perceivable concept of the body. Using ethnomethodologically oriented, partly interpretative text analysis, we examined the lymphocyte stimulation test, word clusters in immunology and other medical specialties, the linguistic presentation of the body in German, American and the internet, the presentation of the "self" of the cell in biology and immunology, and protocols of oncological out-patient interviews and chatrooms. When an abstract sign model is created, then the existence of a "negotiable", "competent" and "tolerant" immune cell is predominated by the concept of a cell and much less by elements of the body. Thus, the passive, spatial-anatomical concept of the body can be overcome and the position of the microscopically describable inner observer achieved. This is related to the American concept of a body that can be formed at will from animated individual parts. This model immune system impresses upon physical life and also provides a new metaphor for human interaction in accordance with the pattern of immunocompetent cells.