Immunity to Parasites
Author | : Derek Wakelin |
Publisher | : Cambridge University Press |
Total Pages | : 226 |
Release | : 1996-08-13 |
ISBN-10 | : 0521436354 |
ISBN-13 | : 9780521436359 |
Rating | : 4/5 (54 Downloads) |
Download or read book Immunity to Parasites written by Derek Wakelin and published by Cambridge University Press. This book was released on 1996-08-13 with total page 226 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Parasites cause many important diseases in humans and domestic animals, malaria being an example. Parasites have evolved to exploit hosts' bodies whereas hosts have evolved immune systems to control infections. Host-parasite interactions therefore provide fascinating examples of evolutionary 'arms-races' in which the immune system plays a key role. Modern research in immunoparasitology is directed towards understanding and exploiting the capacity to develop effective anti-parasite immunity. By concentrating on selected infections where research has made significant progress, Immunity to Parasites provides a clear account of how host immune responses operate and how parasites can evade immunity. The experimental basis of this research is emphasised throughout. This completely updated second edition includes an expanded section on anti-parasite vaccines. The text is aimed at undergraduates and postgraduates with interests in either parasitology or immunology and provides introductory sections on these topics to lead the reader into the later chapters.