After an introduction to the basic structure of the immune system, the book looks at two important families of signalling molecules: cytokines and chemokines, before covering the workings of the mucosal immune system. It continues by examining immunity against the four major groups of pathogens - viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites, and concludes by looking at disorders of the immune system, mucosal tumour immunology and the process of vaccination.

• A fresh, new approach to the subject focusing on mucosal and body surfaces.
• Describes the mucosal immune systems of the gastrointestinal, respiratory and urogenital tracts, as well as the skin.
• Details the important roles of cytokines and chemokines in an immune response.
• Separate chapters devoted to immunity against viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites.
• Includes chapter summaries, boxes with topics of special interest and an extensive glossary.
• Clearly written and well- illustrated in full colour throughout.

Students across a range of disciplines, including biology, biochemistry, biomedicine, medicine and veterinary sciences, will find this book invaluable, both as an introduction to basic immunology and as a guide to mucosal immune defence mechanisms.
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