Tab Article

Immunology is the science of resistance, which protects body from intrinsic and extrinsic substances that can harm body, through a variety of biochemical, physiological, humoral and cellular reactions in the body. This an integral part of the body without which one cannot think of life. During the process of evolution, nature has provided this defence mechanism in the body of all living creatures, particularly of higher animals and man that protects them from physical, chemical and biological insults. The antigens when enters in the body of animals is trapped, processed and eliminated by several cells including macrophages, dendritic cells and B-cells. Most antigens offer multiple epitopes and therefore initiate proliferation and differentiation in majority of B-cells clones, each derivative from a B-cell that recognizes a particular epitope. The resulting serum antibodies are heterogeneous comprising of mixture of antibodies, each one specific for one epitope itself. Such a polyclonal antibody response facilitates the localization, phagocytosis and complement mediated lysis of antigen (agent). This situation is normally present in the body, but if depressed, it leads to immunodeficiency or it is exaggerated, it is known as hypersensitivity. Another situation may occur in which immunity is directed towards the body's own/self materials, then it is known as autoimmunity. This book is divided in six chapters including Basic Concepts, Immunodeficiency, Hypersensitivity, Autoimmunity, Immunomodulation and Tumour Immunology for the benefit of readers. Hope it will be very useful to the students of Immunology/Biotechnology besides, veterinarians, medicos and graduate students. It may also provide useful information to the clinicians dealing with immunopathological disorders. Authors are thankful to all those who helped in the preparation of this book.