This is the third volume in a series focusing on reproductive immunology. The book examines the molecular and cellular nature of immune signalling between mother and fetus, the role that this signalling plays in normal maintenance of pregnancy and how its aberrations may affect fetal development. These questions are considered under three major headings: the fetal major histocompatability complex, decidual effector cells, and cytokines. A detailed view of genetic phenomena affecting maternal fetal interaction at the molecular level is also presented. One of the most interesting concepts to evolve from this work is that the "molecular languages" of the hematopoietic/lymphoid and trophoblast decidua systems (and possibly the nervous system) are closely related and, in some cases, may be identical. In analysing the central problem of reproductive immunology from many different scientific points-of-view, the authors make clear that our somewhat parochial view of different biological phenomena will have to be revised and broadened as we find more evidence of universality in biological systems.

The 29 papers contained in this volume look closely at various aspects of what is termed, "The Maternal-Fetal Interface," as it relates to the latest research in placental science. A substantial section of the book is devoted to the troublesome question of vertical transmission of infectious agents: namely, the HIV-1 virus. However, other sections of the volume examine related issues such as drug and toxin transfer across the term placenta and the diversity of placental types and how this can affect a placenta's effectiveness as a barrier. Anthony Carter is at the University of Odense, Denmark Vibeke Dantzer is at the University of Copenhagen, DenmarkThomas Jansson is at the University of Gothenburg, Sweden

This book covers in detail contemporary hypotheses and studies related to the immunology of implantation and provides a practical approach for the application of basic reproductive immunology research to pregnancy complications such as preeclampsia, pre-term labor and IUGR. Provides complete and up to date review of current knowledge of the role of the immune system during pregnancy and the interactions between the placenta and the maternal immune system.

Over the last several decades, many biologists have been intrigued with the "immunological paradox" of pregnancy, where maternal and fetal tissues peaceably coexist despite their genetic differences. With the development of new insights on the interactive components of the immune system as well as the generation of powerful new molecular and cellular tools, singular progress has been made in understanding immunological events that culminate in successful pregnancy. This volume contains the proceedings for the first US symposium on the "Immunobiology of Reproduction" held August 26 - 29, 1993 in Boston, Massachusetts. Papers address hemotopoietic cells in reproductive tissues; growth factors/cytokines in the female reproductive tract and placenta; growth factor networks in pregnancy loss and cancer; placental expression of major histocompatibility complex and associated genes; experimental models of MHC gene expression; and immunological aspects of human infertility.

Cellular and Molecular Immunology, by Abul K. Abbas, MBBS, Andrew H. Lichtman, MD, PhD and Shiv Pillai, MD, offers an exceptionally lucid guide to the latest immunology concepts! Readers worldwide have appreciated the book's in-depth yet straightforward, richly illustrated approach to this complex subject. Now, sweeping updates incorporate the latest discoveries about innate immunity, the organization of lymphoid organs, and many other cutting-edge topics. Plus, online access via Student Consult makes this an even more powerful learning resource! Clearly explains the experimental observations that form the basis for the science of immunology at the molecular, cellular, and whole-organism levels-and the conclusions that can be drawn from those observations. Highlights the implications of immunologic science for the management of human disease, emphasizing the clinical relevance of the material. Offers access to the complete contents of the book online at www.studentconsult.com to help students prepare for coursework and exams. Innate immunity chapter has been increased and moved to the beginning of the book to reflect how this area is newly recognized as a critical part of immunology. New material has been added on: recognition of microbial products by cytoplasmic and membrane sensors intricate organization of lymphoid tissues functional heterogeneity of subsets of dendritic cells and lymphocytes roles of regulatory cells and inhibitory pathways in immune regulation. Provides a wealth of excellent full-color photographs and illustrations that enable you to visualize immunologic processes quickly. Includes highlighted "take-home messages" that make it easy to review key information. Features instructor resources such including an Image Collection and new 250 question Test Bank on Evolve

Cellular and Molecular Immunology takes a comprehensive yet straightforward approach to the latest developments in this active and fast-changing field. Drs. Abul K. Abbas, Andrew H. Lichtman, and Shiv Pillai present sweeping updates in this new edition to cover antigen receptors and signal transduction in immune cells, mucosal and skin immunity, cytokines, leukocyte-endothelial interaction, and more. This reference is the up-to-date and readable textbook you need to master the complex subject of immunology. Recognize the clinical relevance of the immunology through discussions of the implications of immunologic science for the management of human disease. Grasp the details of experimental observations that form the basis for the science of immunology at the molecular, cellular, and whole-organism levels and draw the appropriate conclusions. Stay abreast of the latest advances in immunology and molecular biology through extensive updates that cover cytokines, innate immunity, leukocyte-endothelial interactions, signaling, costimulation, and more. Visualize immunologic processes more effectively through a completely revised art program with redrawn figures, a brighter color palette, and more 3-dimensional art. Find information more quickly and easily through a reorganized chapter structure and a more logical flow of material.

Discrimination of self from nonself is the major function of the immune system and understanding the mechanism(s) involved a main employer of immunologists. Hence, the age-old puzzle of why a fetus that contains a panel of major histocompatibility (MHC) antigens derived from its mother and its father is not rejected (spontaneously aborted) by lymphocytes from its mother who should theoretically recognize foreign MHC molecules from the father has remained of great interest. This dilemma has enticed immunologists and developmental biologists for many years. This volume was created to present the information currently on hand in this subject to the scientific public. The guest editor, Professor Lars Olding, has a long and distinguished history of contributions in this field, having been one of the main propo nents of the argument that lymphocytes from the fetus play an active role in this process by suppressing lymphocytes from the mother from proliferating and thereby acting as killer cells. His work has defined the phenomenon and identified suppressor molecules (factors) involved in the process. In a different but related chapter, Margareta Unander extends such observations to the clinical study of women with repeated "habitual" mIS carriages.