Introductory Immunology: Basic Concepts for Interdisciplinary Applications

Introductory Immunology: Basic Concepts for Interdisciplinary Applications, Third Edition includes aspects of microbiology and related immune defense mechanisms important in combating disease, as well as critical components related to the field of vaccine development. Knowledge on effector mechanisms addressing components inherent within cellular responses that are either newly discovered or missing from the previous edition are covered. The book puts an extra emphasis on aspects related to mechanisms important in combating microbial agents, with critical sections on how vaccines protect against pathogenic invaders to limit associated pathology. This new edition has been completely updated and revised, offering an expanded concise, conceptual approach to understanding immune systems as a primary defense to maintain health and homeostasis. It is specifically focused towards an educated audience that does not have a deep understanding of medical, biochemical or cellular knowledge. Creates appreciation for components of the human immune system to work together to confer lifelong protection Provides a core knowledge in immunology to build a foundation to explore mechanisms involved in clinical disease Defines functional aspects of immunological terms to permit the reader easy access to comprehend specific topics Presents an introduction to complex immunological concepts in a concise and easy manner that relates to clinical disease Breaks down immunology into manageable, logically digestible building blocks, providing a map to explore overlapping mechanisms of immune protective responses