This new text combines clear narratives of how the immune system functions relying in many instances on supporting data from experiments. The editors use examples and illustrations depicting basic immunologic processes in conjunction with their role in infectious or other diseases in order to teach both basic and applied aspects of immunology. A chapter on antibody-antigen interactions and measurements of immunologic reactions familiarizes students with the tools of experimental immunology.
In addition to an emphasis on infectious diseases, the book focuses strongly on those areas where the immune system does not act when it should - primary and acquired immunodeficiency, and the failure to control cancer - as well as areas where the over-activity or dysregulation of the immune system is a cause of pathology - hypersensitivity reactions, including allery and asthma, autoimmunity and the unwanted immune responses to transplanted tissues and organs.
To bring the full flavor and excitement of immunology to new students, the editors have assembled an outstanding group of contributors with expertise in the multiple areas of immunology who provide the most up-to-date information in this quickly moving field. All of the chapters have standardized thematic and structural aspects to provide critical information in a comprehensible style.
This textbook complements traditional views and dogmas about immunology with today's cutting edge ideas and experimental date describing how the immune system works, some of which are challenging and changing some long-held beliefs about the function of the immune system.
