A step-by-step guide to commonly used procedures, Methods in Cellular Immunology addresses both human and murine models, in addition to such topics as PCR and apoptosis. The basic format of the original version has been maintained, and the goal remains the same: to make it a useful and easy-to-use tool for investigators employing cellular immunological techniques in their research, regardless of whether or not immunology is their main area of expertise. It provides information about manufacturers and commercial sources of chemicals and reagents and a comprehensive list of references, allowing readers to refer back to the original information and/or techniques.

At present, we do not fully understand at what stage of the evolution of living matter the first traces of defense reactions occurred. We even do not fully understand how and why immune systems reached their contem porary state in advanced vertebrates and man. It may be expected that in the near future these questions will be answered by comparative and develop mental biology. Together with an extraordinary explosion of our knowledge about immunity of mammals including man, an increase in the interests concerning origin and development of immune mechanisms at lower stages of the phylogeny can be observed. The search for simple types of immune mechanisms in less complex but still evolutionary successful animals is promising and may contribute to better understanding of highly complex immune adaptive responses in mammals. It is important to note that comparative and evolutionary immunology differs greatly from other branches of biomedical science. Apart from immunology and molecular biology, a specialist in this discipline has to be familiar with every detail of taxonomy, comparative anatomy, physiology, embryology, and even with the phyletic relationships of animals. Probably no monography could deal with the entire animal kingdom, because, in many cases, the insights into questions about immune mecha nisms of many animal groupings or phyla, and their possible evolutionary implications, are unknown or just now beginning to take shape. For the moment, our knowledge on such matters relies upon reconstructions of ideas that we have deduced from studies on members of relative taxa."

It is well established that among the many known and tested immunomodulators, polysaccharides isolated from various natural sources occupy a prominent position. beta-Glucans belong to a group of biologically active natural compounds called biological response modifiers. These substances represent highly conserved structural components of cell walls in yeast, fungi, grain and seaweed. Its role as an immunomodulator has been well documented for over 50 years. Initial interest in the immunomodulatory properties of polysaccharides was raised after experiments revealed that a crude yeast cell preparation stimulated macrophages via activation of complement. Glucan represents a type of immunostimulant that is active over the full spectrum of biological species, which allowed glucan to be used as a potent immunostimulator in commercially important species such as shrimps, fish or pigs. In the last decade, a renewed interest in human application has brought about some important studies on orally-administered glucan resulting in 18 currently running clinical trials.Fortunately, in the last years, research in reputable laboratories has reached a phase when the basic mechanisms of beta-glucan effects are known and the relationship between structure and activity were clearly established. It seems now that beta-glucans will finally take a position which was ascribed to them more than fifty years ago.

This book represents an evolutionary approach to defense mechanisms of all living organisms. The results achieved in developmental and comparative immunology are among the most interesting data in immunology. These results have great impact on our understanding fundamental problems of the pathology of the human immune system. At the same time, the field of evolutionary immunology provides not only inspiration for further investigation in biomedicine, but also a number of results applicable in clinical and commercial practice.

This book evaluates the advantages and limitations of studying the development of defense reactions. In addition to reviewing the major and crucial achievements of the past, the book offers a comprehensive state-of-the-art treatise focused primarily on the latest experiments described in the last few years.

Immune System Accessory Cells provides a comprehensive survey of all types of antigen-presenting and accessory cells. Macrophages are emphasized through descriptions of different types of endocytosis, other major properties, and all basic and new information concerning macrophages as antigen-presenting cells. Other topics covered include the impact of the immunodeficient state on accessory functions, the evolutionary emergence of accessory functions, and the role of various cell types in defense reactions in major assemblages of Metazoa. The book also presents a chapter describing the phylogenetic aspects of accessory functions, which traces the first accessory cells during the evolution of living matter. Immune System Accessory Cells is an excellent reference for immunologists, cell biologists, and others interested in developing an understanding of the roles of accessory cells in all facets of immune reactions.

Immunologists as well investigators in other disciplines may often use protocols involving the isolation, cultures and characterization of different types of leukocytes. Advanced Methods in Cellular Immunology is a collection of techniques in an easy-to-use format.
Each chapter provides readers with related program information, a step-by-step description of the methodology, alternative techniques, pertinent references, and information about commercial sources for materials and regents. In addition to leukocytes, the authors guide readers through the processes of cell culture as well as inflammation and autoimmunity in a variety of animal models.
Covering topics such as PCR and Apoptosis, this book will serve a guide to commonly used procedures in cellular immunology while utilizing both human and murine models.