A History of Modern Immunology: The Path Toward Understanding

A History of Modern Immunology: A Path Toward Understanding describes, analyzes, and conceptualizes several seminal events and discoveries in immunology in the last third of the 20th century, the era when most questions about the biology of the immune system were raised and also found their answers. Written by an eyewitness to this history, the book gives insight into personal aspects of the important figures in the discipline, and its data driven emphasis on understanding will benefit both young and experienced scientists.

This book provides a concise introduction to topics including immunological specificity, antibody diversity, monoclonal antibodies, major histocompatibility complex, antigen presentation, T cell biology, immunological tolerance, and autoimmune disease. This broad background of the discipline of immunology is a valuable companion for students of immunology, research and clinical immunologists, and research managers in the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.

Contains the history of major breakthroughs in immunology featured with authenticity and insider detailsGives an insight into personal aspects of the players in the history of immunology Enables the reader to recognize and select data of heuristic value which elucidate important facets of the immune systemProvides good examples and guidelines for the recognition and selection of what is important for the exploration of the immune systemGives clear separation of descriptive and interpretive parts, allowing the reader to distinguish between facts and analysis provided by the author

Introductory Words about Science, Scientists, and Immunology

Part One: Pre-History with Far-reaching Consequences

1 The immunological revolution

Part Two: The History

2 A very special location: the basel institute for immunology

3 Immunological specificity

4 Monoclonal antibodies: the final proof for clonal selection

5 The first victory of molecular biology: mechanisms of the generation of antibody diversity

6 The major histocompatibility complex

7 Antigen processing and presentation

8 The intricate behaviour of t cells

9 Acquired immunological tolerance

10 Autoimmunity

Concluding Remarks