edited by Mary S. Leffell et al

• An invaluable reference for laboratory evaluation of the immune system and immune disorders
• Emphasizes the molecular basis for the induction and regulation of immune responses, as well as in the pathogenesis of immune disorders
• Includes information on cell receptors and accessory molecules, cytokines, growth factors, and interleukins and their application in diagnosis and monitoring of various diseases
• Reviews the current practice in serological diagnosis of infectious diseases and the growing application of molecular techniques in this area

Combining basic explanations of laboratory tests with 115 tables full of reference data and applications, the Handbook of Human Immunology provides practicing clinicians with a current, complete guide to molecular immunology. Introductory chapters overview the molecular basis of immune responses and immunological disorders, focusing on the role of cell receptors, accessory molecules, and cytokines in these processes. Emphasis is placed on immunological parameters that are clinically useful. The basic principles underlying assays of the immune system are discussed, and the book stresses the application and interpretation of immune tests.

Comprehensive coverage is given to immunoglobulins and their age-dependent concentration. Cellular immunology is discussed from the perspectives of lymphocyte functional parameters, as well as through immunophenotyping of lymphocytes and other leukocytes. Both serological and molecular diagnosis of infectious diseases are reviewed.

The Handbook of Human Immunology contains up-to-date information on exciting developments in immunogenetics, covering the application of T-cell receptor genes and the HLA alleles in disease associations and transplantation.

Contents

1. An Overview of the Immune System: The Molecular Basis for Immune Responses
2. An Overview of the Immune System: Immunological Mechanisms in Immune Deficiency and Autoimmunity
3. Human Immunoglobulins
4. Immunologic Diagnosis of Autoimmunity
5. Infectious Disease Serology
6. Molecular Techniques Applied to Infectious Diseases
7. Cytokines in Human Immunology
8. Complement
9. Evaluation of Phagocytic Cell Disorders
10. Cellular Immunology: Monitoring of Immune Therapies
11. Clinical Applications of Flow Cytometry
12. Relevance of Antibody Screening and Crossmatching in Solid Organ Transplantation
13. DNA-Based Typing of HLA for Transplantation
14. Methods for the Analysis of the Human T-Cell Receptor (TCR) Repertoire in Health and Disease

Index

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