Handbook of Vertebrate Immunology

This book is the first comprehensive source for comparative immunology in such a wide range of species. As such it will be an invaluable addition to the library of any researchers working outside of the usual primate-mouse paradigm. It will also prove useful to veterinary scientists working in vaccinology or other immunology related fields and as a graduate level reference text. Each chapter provides information on a given animal or group of animals and is edited by at least one expert on that particular animal or group of animals. The chapter sections, covering specific immunological areas, are likewise edited by at least one expert in the field. Chapter sections are kept essentially the same in all chapters to make for easier comparisons between species. Easy comparisons are also facilitated by the great amounts of information presented in tabular form. Extensive references direct the reader to important papers and authors in the various fields thereby allowing the reader to pursue more specific, in depth knowledge. One weakness to be perceived in this excellent book may be the need for more diagrammatic representations of the genes encoding antibodies, TCR and MHC thus making for quick, at-a-glance, genetic comparisons. Readers will hopefully suggest other improvements and expansions so that future editions will contain still more information, and perhaps more species, as knowledge increases. Due to the vast array of international expertise brought to bear in the preparation of this book it is a top quality production, able to cover even such a broad range of vertebrate species very well. All in all the importance and utility of this book can hardly be overstated. As its use and familiarity grows, the editors may expect many thanks from colleagues around the world for this timely work.