The Immunogenetics of Autoimmune Diseases

Many developments in immunology have occurred over the past 10 years that give us a better understanding of the immune system and its dysfunctions. Refined mapping of the major histocompatibility complex MHC; elucidation of its gene structure and polymorphism, as well as the molecular basis of MHC restriction; the arrangement, expression, and regulation of immunoglobulins; definition of the structure of the T cell receptor and organization of its genes; and the characterization of soluble factors involved in cell/cell interactions and cloning of their genes are among the major accomplishments. Volumes I and II build on these developments in basic immunology to introduce animal models of various diseases, corresponding human studies, and the genetic analysis of autoimmune traits at the patient population level. The book will be a tremendous asset to immunologists, geneticists, and physicians in various areas of clinical subspecialties.