Innate Immunity: Pattern Recognition and Effector Mechanisms

This contributed volume follows up and expands upon Target Pattern Recognition in Innate Immunity (2009), providing a much-needed update on an area that has surged to the forefront of medical research in recent years. From the initial idea of pattern recognition on microbial surfaces, innate immunity is now recognized as a key player in human health and disease, by virtue of its ability to regulate adaptive immune responses with important physiological and pathological consequences. This book presents cutting edge research and future perspectives on nearly all aspects of innate immunity. Coverage includes cells of the innate immune system, pattern recognition receptors and effector mechanisms, soluble PRRs and humoral factors, immune response to viral, bac-terial, fungal, and parasitic pathogens, disease mechanisms, and comparative studies in non-mammalian innate immunity. It is an excellent introduction to the field for students, and state of the art reference for researchers and professionals.