Mucosal Immunology and Virology

[DOODY REVIEW FROM Doody Enterprises, Inc. - COPYRIGHT 2007] 3 Stars {Description} This concise book reviews the current science of mucosal immune responses to infectious agents. The seven chapters share details of the immune responses found in various types of mucosal surfaces from the anogenital, gastrointestinal oral, pulmonary, and ophthalmic. The high quality figures and pictures are aid in the understanding of the clinical presentation of infections at the mucosal level. {Purpose} The primary focus of this book is to review the new discoveries that lead to the understanding of how immunity at the mucosal level protects the host. The field of immunology in general has grown tremendously in the last decade. This information will lead to new protective vaccines that will be based on a basic understanding of immune function. This book details some new vaccines that are designed to stimulate mucosal immunity. {Audience} Professional scientists studying immune function or infectious diseases are the intended audience. The authors have compiled their expertise in this area to put together a well organized review of mucosal immunity. {Features} This book covers the immune response elicited from each of the various mucosal surfaces in humans. An interesting quote from the book in chapter 2 states, Mucous membranes comprise.a surface area of about the size of one and a half tennis courts, about 200 times the area of the skin. This comment put the study of immunity at the mucosal membrane level in perspective. Many pathogenic organisms cause infection after encountering the mucosal surface. Both the innate and adaptive host defenses in these tissues become a high priority when viewed in that context. The information in this book will enhance the development of vaccines that are more protective and that are delivered to the site at the highest risk for invasion with an infectious agent. {Assessment} This well written textbook has some unique perspectives on immune responses. Often we have focused the study of immune response on the systemic immune system. This book shows the importance of the local mucosal immunity. I would recommend this book to any professional who studies immunity or infectious diseases. {Reviewer} Rebecca Horvat, PhD, D(ABMM)(University of Kansas Medical Center)