IMMUNOLOGY

Abstract

This book aims to cover the basic concepts and practical applications of immunology, introducing this complex field to students in biomedical sciences. Immunology has 14 chapters, each with self-assessment questions, and three appendices. The book is logically structured, starting with explaining the immune response before taking the reader through the components of the immune system and development of lymphocytes. The basal immunology is finished by covering the innate and adaptive immune response and regulations thereof, and after five chapters on immunology and infection, hypersensitivity, tolerance and autoimmune disease, transplantation and tumour immunology, and immunodeficiencies, practical aspects of immunology and immunotherapy are discussed. The appendices include tables of human CD antigens, selected cytokines and their functions and a thorough glossary. Each chapter starts with a list of learning objectives with a short summary of what the chapter covers; the figures are simple and easy to understand. In addition, boxes with nice-to-know information are scattered around the book, providing the reader with fun facts and useful definitions that make the complicated subject bearable to read and easier to grasp. The language is simplified compared with other textbooks within this field, which makes this book more reader-friendly, and as the authors have included a list of suggested further reading after each chapter, the reader can easily find the more advanced literature if necessary. At the first, quick glance, Immunology might appear boring and less attractive to read. The figures are in grey tones, with the exception of an immunohistochemistry figure, as are the few boxes and tables, and the text follows a strict outline. On the other hand, the clean structure to text, figures and boxes renders the book very tidy and easy to read, with no confusing elements. The index guides the reader to the right sections, the glossary provides good definitions and explanations, and the list of human CD antigens is in-depth and up to date. As the book includes no separate chapter on cytokines, the table with selected cytokines and their functions is very useful, also covering the source of the cytokines and the receptors they act upon. The book does cover the basics of immunology, and serves well as an introductory book to the field. Autoimmune diseases are well described, comprising symptoms and immunological explanations for them where such are known, treatment strategies and future therapies. The chapter on immunology in practice gives a useful overview of the most commonly used techniques. Having a rather small format, it is easy to carry to lectures and the pages have enough space for own notes. As the field of immunology is rapidly evolving and expanding, it is difficult to write books that will always be up-to-date, but as a work of references for basic immunological concepts, this book is perfect.