This volume discusses recent advances in research regarding the evolution of specific and nonspecific defense responses in a taxonomically diverse array of species. Topics regarding invertebrates include the protective mechanisms (cellular and molecular) employed by insects, the protective roles of lectins, and the self-nonself discrimination revealed by tissue incompatibility reactions. With vertebrates, the evolution of the immunoglobulin-related superfamily of recognition molecules (including immunoglobulins and the major histocompatibility complex molecules) is examined over several chapters. Other topics reviewed include the evolution of nonimmunoglobulin mediators of defense (e.g., cytokines and eicosanoids), lymphocyte subpopulations (including effects of ambient temperature on function) and the phylogenetic emergence of natural killer cells. Phylogenesis of Immune Functions provides invaluable information for evolutionary biologists, as well as all immunologists and other researchers interested in discovering how inhabitants in our increasingly threatened biosphere protect themselves against environmental pathogens and toxins.

Most comprehensive book to date on insect immunocytes and other hemocytes Computer image analysis of immunocyte serial sections Why insects are immune to HIV Structural and functional similarities between certain components of the immune systems of arthropods and vertebrates Applications of Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) to detect endotoxin contamination in pharmaceuticals, medical devices, clinical diagnosis, and hygienic control

E. L. Cooper In Volume 23 we considered, in seven chapters, the basic armamentarium of the invertebrate immune system and its cells, as well as an analysis of antigens, setting the stage for the initiation of an immune response. We studied cell products, natural or induced, as revealed by nonspecific and specific responses following antigenic challenge such as the pro phenol oxidase system, the lytic responses, the Ig superfamily, and the place this family offers invertebrates and insect hemolymph proteins as candidates for membership. At this point, these various topics seemed to converge, almost to overlap, in some instances, presenting a challenge as to how to move from one subject to another. Chapter 1, in this volume offers the bridge to Volume 23 and its final Chapter 7. This Volume 24 contains contributions pertaining to cell activities and the environment. Chapters 1-4 refer specifically to interactions between cells and the integration of cell activities. The focus is on a functional immune system, with antigenic challenge as a subtopic. In Chapters 5-7, the environment is considered from several points of view and the main subtopic here is the result of the consequences of connections and missed signals. The internal and external environments are treated, revealing what may happen when normal immune responses are interfered with. All this is integrated by the consideration of the three great regulatory systems, the ever-present network that somehow acts as the monitor or control for all incoming and outgoing signals.

Both volumes of Parasites and Pathogens of Insects provide in-depth coverage of the interface between insect parasites and pathogens and hosts, and explore the relationships between these partners. They emphasize biochemical and molecular interactions, basic biology, and the roles of hormones, receptors, and other cellular components in modulating interactions between host insects and attacking agents. These topics also are assessed in relation to biotechnology and biological control.In the short term, these volumes fill a void in current literature by emphasizing basic interactions at the biochemical and molecular levels. In the long term, these interactions may provide avenues for exploitation to enhance the rate of "beneficial" parasitism or to reduce the rates of disease transmission and infection of vertebrate hosts. - Presents the latest information on insect parasites and pathogens - Describes biochemical and molecular host-parasite and host-pathogen relationships - Covers mechanisms of insect pathogenicity and resistance - Provides exceptional breadth of coverage and authoritative reviews - Special topics - Transposable elements in insect pathogens - Co-evolution and gene transfer between hosts and invaders - Biological control

This book on phylogeny and immunity reconstructs the history and evolutionary pathways of immunity among the various forms of life. The authors argue that the immunity could have evolved different adequately successful patterns in the animal sub-regnum which are strictly determined by the morpho-physiological possibilities of the animals. They state that the vertebrate type of immunity evolved only in the chordate branch. The publication devotes special attention to the arthropods and molluscs, as they have attracted more investigative efforts than any other invertebrate taxa. The authors selected Agnatha, Chondrichthyes, and Osteichthyes from the vertebrate taxa in order to show where and how the morphofunctional basis of the truly adapative immunity of the endothermic tetrapods gradually evolved. Each chapter gives the description of the origin and interrelationships of the representatives of the taxon in question. Also given are the main biological, morphological, non-morphological and immune attributes. Emphasized throughout the book is the central idea that immunological reactions are a part of the overall biological phenomena and should be studied only from this aspect. The authors express that the fields of comparative and evolutionary immunology will provide inspiration for further investigations in biomedicine in the near future.

This work is the first book-length publication on the topic of insect immunology since 1991, complementing earlier works by offering a fresh perspective on current research. Interactions of host immune systems with both parasites and pathogens are presented in detail, as well as the genomics and proteomics, approaches which have been lacking in other publications. Beckage provides comprehensive coverage of topics important to medical researchers, including Drosophila as a model for studying cellular and humoral immune mechanisms, biochemical mediators of immunity, and insect blood cells and their functions. - Encompasses the most important topics of insect immunology including mechanisms, genes, proteins, evolution and phylogeny - Provides comprehensive coverage of topics important to medical researchers including Drosophila as a model for studying cellular and humoral immune mechanisms, biochemical mediators of immunity, and insect blood cells and their functions - Most up-to-date information published with contributions from international leaders in the field