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Immunology is a young, exciting and dynamic science which developed as a specialist aspect of other Biomedical Science disciplines: cell biology, biochemistry, haematology, microbiology and pathology. New knowledge in immunology and immunology-based biological tools are now enabling further development of those other subject areas. The biotechnology industry that is revolutionizing our lives owes much of its existence to research in immunology. An understanding of fundamental concepts in immunology and of its applications is an important part of Biomedical Science education. This text aims to make your learning as easy as possible. The further reading that is recommended includes 'popular science' books. How can you be afraid of a science that so many non-scientists choose to read about? The internet is a valuable source of immunology information. Many web-sites excel in providing up-to-date databases that allow the learner or researcher to find the information they need. Immunology is indebted to advances in bioinformatics that enable access to resources such as sequences of genes and proteins that influence immune responses. You won't find individual web-site addresses in this book - they change too frequently. But fortunately there is Biomednet (www.Biomednet.com). Go there, follow directions, and you'll find all the internet immunology resources you'll need. I enjoyed writing this book, but could never have completed it without the secretarial skills and support of Caroline Adams and the talent and professionalism of Mark Miller and Killian McDaid in the Faculty of Science Cartography office. Thank you all.
Preface vii Series preface ix Acknowledgements x 1 The immune response explained 1 2 Components of the human immune system 10 3 Natural immune responses 26 4 Immunological recognition 45 5 Acquired immune responses 68 6 Infection and immunity 85 7 Hypersensitivity 102 8 Autoimmune disease 123 9 Immune deficiency 142 10 Immunology: applications 164 Answers to self-assessment questions 179 Index 189
