Abstract

The immunoglobulin gene complex is responsible for generating an extraordinarily wide range of antibodies, each possessing a unique antigen specificity. The Second Edition of Immunoglobulin Genes brings the reader up to date with the rapid progress in our understanding of this system. Firmly established as the definitive book on the topic, it provides a fully comprehensive account of the organization, function, rearrangement and expression of these and related genes. Since the publication of the first edition, the work has been extensively revised and updated to cover new research data on human immunoglobulin genes as well as mammalian and lower vertebrate systems. New chapters include "Somatic mutation and B cell Maturation", "Antigen receptors" and "B lymphocyte tolerance in the mouse."
For the immunologist, there are detailed descriptions of the molecular mechanisms which generate this diverse range of antibodies and the tight regulation of the genes encoding them. Molecular biologists will find discussions of important phenomena including gene rearrangement, differential splicing and deletion in the context of immunoglobulin genes.
The excitement of research on immunoglobulin genes is conveyed by the range and complexity of issues discussed here; the book contains invaluable information for clinicians and research scientists with an interest in the immune response.
* Conveys the excitement of research on immunoglobulin genes by the range and complexity of issues
* Contains invaluable information for clinicians and research scientists with an interest in the immune response
* For the Immunologist
* Detailed descriptions of the molecular mechanisms generating this diverse range of antibodies and the regulation of genes encoding them
* For the Molecular Biologist
* Discusses important phenomena including gene rearrangement, differential splicing, and deletion in the context of immunoglobulin genes.
Reviews of the First Edition:
"An enormous amount of material is condensed in this book... it is useful for advanced students or postdocs who want to gain access to the field, as well as for researchers in the field who wish to check up on a particular aspect and/or find a quick way into the corresponding literature."
--IMMUNOLOGY TODAY
"Compelling reading... the best available account of this fascinating and important subject."
--CELL BIOCHEMISTRY AND FUNCTION
"As a celebration of the molecular achievements of the field, Immunoglobulin Genes is a benchmark reference."
--CANCER CELLS: A MONTHLY REVIEW
"All chapters in the book are written by authorities in the field and it gives a thorough and accessible overview on a wide range of topics related to the lg genes... An excellent book."
--MOLECULAR IMMUNOLOGY
"The editors and contributing authors of the book, all highly respected within the field, are to be congratulated on providing such a variety of informative and interesting articles... this volume is well-written and well-presented. This book will be of great use to those just beginning a career in immunology or to those in other fields wishing to familiarize themselves with the subject."
--TRENDS IN BIOCHEMICAL SCIENCES
"Each chapter will bring the reader up to date. It summarizes the experiments and theories in a field with a solid foundation. It should be an important reference book."
--SCIENCE