Defense of Mucosal Surfaces: Pathogenesis, Immunity and Vaccines

Mucosal immunity encompasses a broad field of research that includes areas of epithelial cell and molecular biology, molecular and cellular immunology, microbiology, virology, and vaccinology. This volume presents up to date and concise discussions of concepts as well as recent advances. It provides an overview of the components of the mucosal immune system, and the basic science relevant to mucosal vaccination. The authors assess current research in critical areas including: Organization of mucosal lymphoid tissue; antigen sampling and presentation in mucosal tissues; mucosalimmune responses and tolerance; immune effectors at mucosal sites; microbial-host interactions at mucosal sites; mucosal vaccines and adjuvants. This multi-disciplinary effort will be a valuable resource for researchers, clinicians and students who need a clear understanding of concepts and a guide to the wide-ranging literature in this very active research area.