In insect and other arthropod immune systems, discrimination between self and nonself tissues is accomplished through the combined actions of two immunocytes and several humoral factors. Immunology of Insects and Other Arthropods presents a comprehensive look at this and other important topics in arthropod immunology. Issues discussed include insect immunocytes and other hemocytes, including computer image analysis of immunocyte serial sections; the two basic cellular immune reactions (phagocytosis and encapsulation), including the molecular basis and roles of gap junctions in encapsulation; how encapsulation is affected by polydnavirus and encapsulation-promoting factors; why insect cells are immune to HIV; humoral factors; and antibacterial factors in Lepidoptera, Diptera, and other insect orders. Other topics include hemolymph proteins interacting with mammalian complement cascade; adaptive humoral response in the American cockroach; antigenic stimulation of hemaglutinin production in insects; and the applications of the Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) in detecting endotoxins in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, clinical diagnosis, and hygienic control. This book represents an important reference source for hematologists, pathologists, immunologists, AIDS researchers, comparative immunologists, and pharmaceutical companies.

The function of insect blood cells has long puzzled scientists. This much-needed volume, first published in 1979, attempts to explain the forms and functions of insect hemocytes, creating a solid basis from which work in the field may proceed. Insect Hemocytes had its origins in a symposium held at the XV International Congress of Entomology (1976). It is a coherent presentation whose contributors were some of the most eminent specialists in the field.