The Immune System, by P. Parham

Abstract

Taylor & Francis, 2000. £25.95 (pbk) (xv + 408 pages)ISBN 0 815 33043 XThis text is a new addition to the already fairly wide choice of excellent introductory books on the immune system. Given this wide choice, however, why should one choose this book? What distinguishes it from its rivals? At first glance, The Immune System has a familiar feel to it, the layout and many of the diagrams are identical to other books on the same topic: it is in fact derived from Immunobiology: the Immune System in Health and Disease by C.A. Janeway et al. (1994) Current Biology Publications, and both books are copublications from Garland Publishing and Current Biology Publications. There is a recognizable layout to The Immune System, with the first seven chapters covering the theoretical fundamentals of the immune system, followed by a chapter on the body's defence against infection, and then four chapters dealing with problems arising from deficient or excess immune system function.Peter Parham describes and explains the facts in an easily understood manner, and refers throughout to pertinent clinical problems and syndromes, which underlines the relevance of what is being discussed and makes for more interesting reading. Important concepts mentioned for the first time are in bold type, which enables quick and easy cross-referencing. There is, however, a heavy bias towards the adaptive immune system and, as a result, innate immunity is dealt with only in the section on defence against infections. While this is understandable in light of the historical development of immunology research and the vast accumulation of facts and depth of knowledge on this subject, the book fails to reflect an increasing awareness and interest in the organization of the primary immune response. Similarly, newer aspects of gene therapy and transplantation of effector cells, and the growing body of knowledge about molecular pathways of signalling and cell–cell interaction are dealt with either very briefly or not at all.A major deficit is the complete lack of references throughout the book. At no point was the reader directed towards other sources for further reading and I suspect that this will be sorely missed by readers, as it is essential for any introductory book. The book has otherwise succeeded in reducing an enormous subject to an easily readable and informative introduction for students and others seeking the essentials of the immune system. As the author mentions in the preface ‘This book is an attempt to sketch that picture without complicating the presentation of essential facts and principles or placing unnecessary burdens on those coming to immunology for the first time.' Such editing or acts of omission might well be viewed critically by others and what one sees as worthy of jettison, the other will judge as indispensable. Overall, however, I found this book a worthy, if not entirely original, alternative for a student's first contact with immunology.