Handbook of Experimental Immunology [antikvár]

Preface The content and format of the second edition have been altered to take into account the three main areas of interest that have emerged as subdivisions of experimental immunology. Volume 1. Immunochemistry. This brings up to date the methods for purifying antigens and antibodies and studying immunoglobulin structure. A new chapter on complement technology makes available purification and assay methods which should enable wider study of this difficult but important field. The genetics of human and mouse immunoglobulins are described in detail in separate chapters. This volume also includes up-to-date information on primary and secondary methods for studying antigen-antibody interaction. Volume 2. Cellular Immunology. This contains discussions and descriptions of procedures which have in the main come into use since the appearance of the first edition and it is hoped that the information on separation of lymphocytes and the assay methods for their activities will allow further elucidation of their functions and relationships with other cell populations. Volume 3. Application of Immunological Methods. This has been prepared for workers in fields in which immunological techniques are applied as aids rather than for the study of immunological phenomenon per se. Each volume contains a comprehensive index to all three volumes. I should like to thank the many contributors for their efforts and co-operation in trying to fulfill the requirements for a uniform format for the presentation of the material. Thanks are due to the many colleagues who have offered advice and suggestions arising from the use of the first edition. Dr D. W. Dresser and my colleague Dr W. H. McBride in particular made some valuable suggestions on the inclusion and arrangement of topics. The index was prepared by Dr Katherine Smith, and it is hoped that the care and thought expended have resulted in an index that will prove of considerable value to the user. I should like to acknowledge the encouragement and support of Mr Per Saugman of Blackwell Scientific Publications throughout the preparation of the book and to Mr Nigel Palmer of the Edinburgh office for his invaluable and highly professional assistance without which the book could not have been produced. D. M. Weir