Mucosal Immunity and Infections at Mucosal Surfaces

Presenting the latest information on the function of the mucosal immune system, this book demonstrates that it has a 'gatekeeper' role in preventing the entry of antigens via the mucosa and in filtering out antigens that do enter. The authors provide a comprehensive description of the system and of how mucosal immune processes interact with pathogens on the mucosal surface. In a lucid fashion, they discuss the regulation of the IgA response, the relation between auto-immunity and mucosal immunoregulation, mucosal specific immune functions, and the mucosal immune mechanisms involved in viral and bacterial infections, including sexually transmitted diseases. This is a timely reference for immunologists, infectious disease specialists, and gastroenterologists. See above.