Principles of Cellular and Molecular Immunology

This textbook provides a thorough introduction to modern cellular and molecular immunology for undergraduate science students and for clinicians. Johnathan Austyn and Kathryn Wood have adopted the novel approach of arranging the book around a map of the immune system, with each chapter focusing on a different aspect. This has allowed them to present the information in a logical order, drawing together diverse threads to illustrate the emerging principles of the subject. The book first follows the fate of antigens through different cellular compartments until they are expressed on the surface of antigen presenting cells and are recognized by T-cells, then analyzes the cellular and molecular basis of each of the components of the immune response in turn, and discusses immune regulation. It ends with an appendix that illustrates the techniques used in immunological research. In this way, the book builds up a sophisticated and fascinating picture of this complex and often confusing subject, explaining current concepts and indicating topics for debate. The result is a book that will be used by postgraduate students in immunology and related disciplines who need an overview of the subject, and by researchers who need a thorough insight into the whole subject to allow them to place their experimental results into a wider context.