The book highlights studies on the development of the mucosal immune system in the human fetus, the factors important in the development of the various compartments of this system, and the mechanisms by which the human neonate protects itself against gut allergy and infection. Other topics include the development of the gut immune system in rodents and other veterinary species in which important areas such as the intestinal uptake of the maternal immunoglobulins have been characterized, as well as immunocompetence of the human fetus. The book provides essential reference material for immunologists, pediatricians, and other researchers interested in the features unique to the development of the gut immune system in utero and post-natally in different species.

The second edition of Avian Immunology provides an up-to-date overview of the current knowledge of avian immunology. From the ontogeny of the avian immune system to practical application in vaccinology, the book encompasses all aspects of innate and adaptive immunity in chickens. In addition, chapters are devoted to the immunology of other commercially important species such as turkeys and ducks, and to ecoimmunology summarizing the knowledge of immune responses in free-living birds often in relation to reproductive success. The book contains a detailed description of the avian innate immune system, encompassing the mucosal, enteric, respiratory and reproductive systems. The diseases and disorders it covers include immunodepressive diseases and immune evasion, autoimmune diseases, and tumors of the immune system. Practical aspects of vaccination are examined as well. Extensive appendices summarize resources for scientists including cell lines, inbred chicken lines, cytokines, chemokines, and monoclonal antibodies. The world-wide importance of poultry protein for the human diet, as well as the threat of avian influenza pandemics like H5N1 and heavy reliance on vaccination to protect commercial flocks makes this book a vital resource. This book provides crucial information not only for poultry health professionals and avian biologists, but also for comparative and veterinary immunologists, graduate students and veterinary students with an interest in avian immunology. - With contributions from 33 of the foremost international experts in the field, this book provides the most up-to-date review of avian immunology so far - Contains a detailed description of the avian innate immune system reviewing constitutive barriers, chemical and cellular responses; it includes a comprehensive review of avian Toll-like receptors - Contains a wide-ranging review of the "ecoimmunology" of free-living avian species, as applied to studies of population dynamics, and reviews methods and resources available for carrying out such research

Aspects of Developmental and Comparative Immunology contains the proceedings of the 1st Congress of Developmental and Comparative Immunology, held from July 27 to August 1, 1980 in Aberdeen, Scotland. The papers explore various aspects of developmental and comparative immunology and cover topics ranging from the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) and membrane immunoglobulins to idiotypes and diversity, comparative ontogeny, and evolution of lymphoid organ function. Comprised of 105 chapters, this volume begins with an overview of how the host immune system utilizes polymorphic MHC antigens as the principal tool for pseudo-self versus true self distinction. The reader is then introduced to the immunology of earthworms, membrane immunoglobulins, idiotypes, and diversity. Subsequent chapters focus on the evolution of lymphoid organs in vertebrates; differentiation clocks in comparative immunology of mammals and birds; immunorecognition in invertebrates such as insects and gastropods; and the phylogeny of leucocytes in vertebrates and invertebrates. The remaining sections deal with stem cells, immune responses of gut-associated lymphoepithelial tissue, and the ontogeny of resistance to infection as well as the ontogeny of killer cells. Finally, the immunology of fish, amphibians, reptiles, chickens, and mammals is examined. This monograph will be of interest to immunobiologists.

This unique book provides a comprehensive and comparative guide to the immune systems of major vertebrate species, including domestic and wild animals of veterinary or medical interest, fish and amphibia. Data in this essential reference work has been compiled by world-renowned editors and an international group of authors. For each species, the information is presented in a structured 'user-friendly' format allowing easy cross reference and comparison between the various species.This book will be considered the definitive reference work on vertebrate immunology and will be essential for scientists and professionals working in Immunology, Vaccinology or with Animal Models, for students of Veterinary or Human Medicine, Biology and researchers in Comparative Medicine and Physiology.Each section, devoted to a major animal group covers: - Lymphoid organs and their anatomical disposition - Leukocytes and their markers - Leukocyte traffic and associated molecules - Cytokines - T cell receptors - Immunoglobulins - MHC antigens - Ontogeny of the immune system - Passive transfer of immunity - Neonatal immune responses - Non-specific immunity - Complement system - Mucosal immunity - Immunodeficiencies - Tumours of the immune system - Autoimmunity

This is the first and only book, so far, to deal with the causal basis of evolution from an epigenetic view. By revealing the epigenetic "user" of the "genetic toolkit", this book demonstrates the primacy of epigenetic mechanisms and epigenetic information in generating evolutionary novelties. The author convincingly supports his theory with a host of examples from the most varied fields of biology, by emphasizing changes in developmental pathways as the basic source of evolutionary change in metazoans. - Original and thought provoking--a radically new theory that overcomes the present difficulties of the theory of evolution - Is the first and only theory that uses epigenetic mechanisms and principles for explaining evolution of metazoans - Takes an integrative approach and shows a wide range of learning

Every aspect of immune function and host defense is dependent upon a proper supply and balance of nutrients. Severe malnutrition can cause significant alteration in immune response, but even subclinical deficits may be associated with an impaired immune response, and an increased risk of infection. Infectious diseases have accounted for more off-duty days during major wars than combat wounds or nonbattle injuries. Combined stressors may reduce the normal ability of soldiers to resist pathogens, increase their susceptibility to biological warfare agents, and reduce the effectiveness of vaccines intended to protect them. There is also a concern with the inappropriate use of dietary supplements. This book, one of a series, examines the impact of various types of stressors and the role of specific dietary nutrients in maintaining immune function of military personnel in the field. It reviews the impact of compromised nutrition status on immune function; the interaction of health, exercise, and stress (both physical and psychological) in immune function; and the role of nutritional supplements and newer biotechnology methods reported to enhance immune function. The first part of the book contains the committee's workshop summary and evaluation of ongoing research by Army scientists on immune status in special forces troops, responses to the Army's questions, conclusions, and recommendations. The rest of the book contains papers contributed by workshop speakers, grouped under such broad topics as an introduction to what is known about immune function, the assessment of immune function, the effect of nutrition, and the relation between the many and varied stresses encountered by military personnel and their effect on health.

The 9th International Conference on Lymphatic Tissues and Germinal Centres in Immune Reactions was held in Oslo, 9-14 August, 1987. These conferen ces, by the regular devotees just referred to as the germinal centre con ferences or GCC, have been held regularly at roughly three-year intervals since 1966. The credo of these conferences is "in vivo veritas", signifying that investigating components, like molecules and cells, only gives partial truth. The components must ultimately be explored in their natural con text, to see how they interact with other parts and are integrated to a whole. To the biologist it is obvious that the world must be investigated at many different levels of organization. At each level the patterns observed represent just some of many possible ways of putting together the elements of the lower levels. These patterns are not predetermined, but the results of evolution, i.e. of a history in which stochastic processes play a major role. The organic world can therefore not be torn apart and then reconstructed from basic principles alone. This realization is often expressed as the whole being more than the sum of its parts.

The 11th International Conference on Lymphoid Tissues and Immune Reactions was held in Spa-Liege (Belgium), from 4 to 8 July 1993. The regular devotees refer to these conferences as the "Germinal Centre Conferences or GCC". In the 1960s, the germinal centres were the subject of such considerable study and speculation that a group of dynamic people decided to devote an international conference centered on that topic. This led to the fIrst GCC organized in Bern in 1966. Following the success of this initial meeting, further sessions have been organized at regular intervals and, over the years, the scope of the GCC has been broadened. Nowadays, the GCC conferences are dedicated to in vivo immunology and deal mainly with cellular, functional and molecular aspects of the lymphoid system. The credo of these conferences is "in vivo veritas," implying that the sole investigation of components (like molecules or cell populations) only gives a partial truth. Ultimately, the components have to be explored in their global context in order to see how they interact with other parts and how they are integrated as a whole to ensure the homeostasis of the immune system. In 1966, the GCC lasted 3 days and included 57 contributions "which were discussed at length. " The present conference lasted 4 days and accommodated 2 honorary lectures, 80 free papers and 209 poster presentations. Out of those presentations, a selection was performed by the Chairpersons to compose the present volume.

This new edition is a unique combined resource for physicians and scientists addressing the needs of both groups. In addition to stimulating exchange and collaboration and shortening the path between discovery and application of new knowledge, the book helps clinicians understand new therapeutic concepts from their origins. The volume serves as a comprehensive guide to the current diagnostic modalities, including enhanced imaging techniques such as MRI and CT enterography, virtual colonoscopy, ultrasound, and endomicroscopy, as well as conventional and complex immunomodulatory principles. The latest edition also includes revised chapters from the previous edition, as well as new chapters reflecting current developments in the field. Written by experts in their field, Crohn’s Disease and Ulcerative Colitis: From Epidemiology and Immunobiology to a Rational Diagnostic and Therapeutic Approach, Second Edition is of great value to gastroenterologists, surgeons, internists, pediatricians and gynecologists trainees, as well as all those involved in Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, and related autoimmune disorders.

The T Cell Receptor FactsBook contains entries on all the 176 functional variable, diversity, joining, and constant regions of the human T cell receptor, including alpha, beta, gamma, and delta loci. Introductory chapters summarize information of T cell receptor chain synthesis, chromosomal location, and an overview of the human T cell receptor loci.