Introductory immunology : basic concepts for interdisciplinary applications / Jeffrey K. Actor.

Includes index.

Preface -- A functional overview of the immune system and immune components -- The inflammatory response -- The B lymphocyte : antibodies and how they function -- T lymphocytes : ringleaders of adaptive immune function -- How we defend against infectious agents -- Basic disorders of immune function -- Autoimmunity : regulation of response to self -- Immune hypersensitivities -- Vaccines and immunotherapy -- Cancer immunology -- Transplantation immunology -- Assessment of immune parameters and immunodiagnostics.

Introductory Immunology: Basic Concepts for Interdisciplinary Applications, Second Edition is a completely updated, revised and expanded resource on the immune system as a primary defense for the maintenance of health and homeostasis. The book highlights the components of the human immune system and how they work together to confer protection against pathogenic invaders. It also creates an understanding of the basis for clinical tests and immune therapeutics and their importance in identifying and treating disease states. This updated edition will strengthen the foundation required to understand the placement of immune function within clinical practice, thus allowing a basic platform to define therapeutic treatments.