Pier Gerald B., Lyczak Jeffrey B., Wetzler Lee M. (eds.) Immunology, Infection, and Immunity

ASM Press, 2004. — 743 p.With a focus on the relatedness of immunology and microbiology, Immunology, Infection, and Immunity covers both the foundation concepts of immunology, among the most exciting in modern biology and medicine, and their application to the real world of diseases and health. Ideally suited for upper division and graduate level biology students as well as medical and dental students with a good background in basic biology, biochemistry, genetics, and cell biology, this book will also appeal to scientists seeking to expand their knowledge of immunology.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.Function and Composition of the Immune System
Overview of Immunity
Innate Immunity
Cells of the Immune System
Organs and Tissues of the Immune System
Complement
Antibodies
Antibodies
Molecular Genetics of Antibody Diversity
Antigens, Antigenicity, and Immunogenicity
Antibody-Antigen Interactions and Measurements of Immunolgoic Reactions
B-Lymphocyte Activation and Antibody Production
Cellular Immunity
The Major Histocompatibility Complex
Antigen Processing and Presentation
The T-Cell Receptor
T-Cell Maturation and Activation
Cellular Communication
Immunologic Effector Systems and Immunity to Infection
Cell-Mediated Immunity
Mucosal Immunity
Immunity to Bacterial Infections
Immunity to Viruses
Immunity to Parasitic and Fungal Infections
Vaccines and Vaccination
Immune System Dysfunction: Deficiencies
Immunology and AIDS
Clinical and Genetic Perspectives in Primary Immunodeficiency Disorders
Cancer and the Immune System
Immune System Dysfunction: Overactivity
Hypersensitivity
Autoimmunity and Disease
Transplantation Immunology