Basic concepts in immunology -- Innate immunity -- Antigen recognition by b-cell and t-cell receptors -- The generation of lymphocyte antigen receptors -- Antigen presentation to t lymphocytes -- Signaling through immune system receptors -- The development and survival of lymphocytes -- T cell-mediated immunity -- The humoral immune response -- Adaptive immunity to infection -- The mucosal immune system -- The immune system in health and disease -- Failures of host defense mechanism -- Allergy and hypersensitivity -- Autoimmunity and transplantation -- Manipulation of the immune response -- Evolution of the immune system.

Serves as an introductory text for use in immunology courses for undergraduates, graduate students and medical students. This book guides the reader through the immune system in different aspects - from the first engagement of innate immunity to the generation of the adaptive immune response and its clinical consequences.