Includes bibliographical references and index.

Introduction to the immune system -- Properties and overview of immune responses -- Innate immunity -- Cells and tissues of the adaptive immune system -- Recognition of antigens -- Antibodies and antigens -- The major histocompatibility complex -- Antigen processing and presentation to T lymphocytes -- Antigen receptors and accessory molecules of T lymphocytes -- Maturation, activation and regulation of lymphocytes -- Lymphocyte development and the rearrangement and expression of antigen receptor genes -- Activation of T lymphocytes -- B cell activation and antibody production -- Immunologic tolerance -- Effector mechanisms of immune responses -- Cytokines -- Effector mechanisms of cell-mediated immunity -- Effector mechanisms of humoral immunity -- Immune system in defense and disease -- Immunity to microbes -- Transplantation immunology -- Immunity to tumors -- Diseases caused by immune responses: hypersensitivity and autoimmunity -- Immediate hypersensitivity -- Congenital and acquired immunodeficiencies.