Host Defenses To Intracellular Pathogens

The Janeway's Immunobiology CD-ROM, Immunobiology Interactive, is included with each book, and can be purchased separately. It contains animations and videos with voiceover narration, as well as the figures from the text for presentation purposes.

The subject matter of this volume was the basis for a confer ence held in Philadelphia in June, 1981, and is an important one in the contemporary area of how the host interacts with micro organisms. In conception, it grew out of a graduate course entitled, "The Infectious Process," which has been taught in the Department of Microbiology and Immunology at Temple University School of Medicine during the past twelve years. This course has explored the broad areas of mechanisms of microbial pathogenesis and host resistance by in-depth consideration of selected models of experimental infection and immunity, as well as the clinical literature. It is noteworthy that there is no adequate text for this material, as the subject matter naturally crosses a wide spectrum of traditional disciplinary lines, encompassing topics as diverse as the mechanisms of action of bacterial toxins, the role of complement and antibody in phagocytosis, and the importance of cross-reacting bacterial polysaccharide antigens in vaccine development. A major portion of the course has always considered "cellular immunity" as it applies to host defenses to intracellular pathogens. It is in this area that the necessity for amalgamation of information from different disciplines is most evident, for one must be intimately concerned with the interactions between the microbe and the phagocyte, both before and after specific immune recognition.

This conference was held under the sponsorship of the Eastern Pennsylvania Branch of the American Society for Microbiology, as one in a continuing series of Basic Science Symposia. The untiring volunteer effects of the members of the Symposium Committee are deeply appreciated. The Bureau of Laboratories of the Pennsylvania Department of Health was a cosponsor and generously provided staff and secretarial services to handle the difficult task of registration. The Department of Microbiology and of Microbiology and Immunology at the five medical schools in Philadelphia -- Temple University School of Medicine, Medical College of Pennsylvania, Thomas Jefferson University, Hahnemann University and the University of Pennsylvania -- were academic cosponsors, and the support of the Chairpersons and the faculties are gratefully acknowledged.

The Immune Response is a unique reference work covering the basic and clinical principles of immunology in a modern and comprehensive fashion. Written in an engaging conversational style, the book conveys the broad scope and fascinating appeal of immunology. The book is beautifully illustrated with superb figures as well as many full color plates. This extraordinary work will be an invaluable resource for lecturers and graduate students in immunology, as well as a vital reference for research scientists and clinicians studying related areas in the life and medical sciences. Current and thorough 30 chapter reference reviewed by luminaries in the field Unique ‘single voice' ensures consistency of definitions and concepts Comprehensive and elegant illustrations bring key concepts to life Provides historical context to allow fuller understanding of key issues Introductory chapters 1-4 serve as an ‘Immunology Primer' before topics are discussed in more detail

Opportunistic, intracellular bacterial infections are at the forefront of research because of the challenges they present to immunocompromised patients. In this volume, the pathogenesis and immune reaction of these intracellular infections is featured, as are the most typical problems related to antimicrobial chemotherapy, and current approaches to their solution. Individual chapters set the pace for research on pathogenic and immune reactions to such infections as, mycobacterium tuberculosis, legionella pneumophila, chlamydia trachomatis and brucella.

Dr. Jose Luis Subiza is the founder and CEO of Inmunotek SL. The other Topic Editors declare no competing interests with regard to the Research Topic subject.