A comprehensive guide to the HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) system for immunologists and clinicians, this book contains up-to-date information on the MHC (Major Histocompatibility Complex) and its role in the immune response and in various diseases. The book explores the biological significance and role of the HLA system in organ and haematopoietic stem cell transplantation management. This volume is an invaluable guide to the full spectrum of HLA-related science while also serving as a conceptual and technical resource for those involved in HLA-related research and in clinical or surgical practice. In addition, it will be a primary point of contact for individuals working in other areas who suddenly find that their research is drawing them into the complexities of HLA genetics.

This edition provides a collection of state-of-art methods and tools for human leukocyte antigen (HLA) and major histocompatibility complex (MHC) research. The book explores updated as well as novel in silico tools, resources, and wet lab protocols for HLA typing, including determination of the HLA class I and class II type of an individual in clinical work and research, such as in transplantation medicine and vaccine development in the context of infectious diseases or cancer immunotherapies. Written for the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series, chapters include the kind of detailed information and implementation advice that leads to best results. Up-to-date and practical, HLA Typing: Methods and Protocols, Second Edition serves as a valuable resource for any researcher interested in learning more about this vital field.

The Janeway's Immunobiology CD-ROM, Immunobiology Interactive, is included with each book, and can be purchased separately. It contains animations and videos with voiceover narration, as well as the figures from the text for presentation purposes.

This set reports the results of the 10th International Histocompatibility Workshop, in which 362 laboratories collaborated over a three year period in research projects on the classification of HLA genes and their products. Volume 1 describes the experimental design of the workshop studies and their results. Volume 2 is a collection of papers on the latest developments in the molecular biology of HLA systems. Immunobiology of HLA is a valuable reference for tissue typing laboratories, blood banks, and general research programs on HLA and related diseases because it identifies common sources of HLA genes and gene products to be used as reference reagents, and because it is the only complete compilation of the latest research and results in the field.

This volume documents our growing understanding of the human major histocompatibility complex. The application of this information is ever more important as the limits of transplantation continue to be reduced, including the recent success of bone marrow transplantation between unrelated but closely matched individuals. In addition, the need to transfuse platelets in the face of immunologic barriers continues to challenge transfusion services. Thus, the serologic information summarized in this volume is essential for optimal patient care. At the same time, recombinant DNA technology has led to a revolution in our understanding of many aspects of basic biology. Among the advances has been the initial characterization of the structure of some HLA loci. While this will ultimately improve clinical services, constant reference to serologic data is essential so that the powerful new techniques can be applied in the most effective ways. The timing of the First Red Cross International Histocompatibility Workshop is fortunate as it brings together experts from around the world to address the state of the art. We are all grateful to Dr. John Lee and his colleagues for organizing the workshop, and for bringing together in this volume the material to be presented in Beijing during October 17-23, 1990. Leon W. Hoyer, M.D.